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William Spengler Obituary

Bill Spengler served his country as a Foreign Service Officer in Thailand, Norway, Pakistan and Afghanistan. During WWII, he served as a code breaker in the U.S. Army, joined the Department of State in 1950 and retired as Consul General in Lahore, Pakistan in 1976. He was a member of the Society for Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Singing in America for 59 years and organized a quartet in almost every place he lived. In Kabul in the 1960s, he found interest in the ancient coins from the region and became one of the foremost authorities on the peoples who had passed through the area through the centuries. This interest in numismatics and history influenced the rest of his life. He published numerous articles, contributed and edited catalogs on world coins and co-authored two books on the Turkomans. After retiring to Colorado Springs he was active in Sister Cities, American Numismatic Society, World Affairs Council and formed the local Committee for International Visitors. He also held memberships in several international societies. He is survived by his sister, Susan; brother, David, his wife of 55 years Phillis; three children: Sarah, Bill and John; and four grandchildren: May, Alex, Grant and Bennett. He will be missed by his family and many friends around the world. In lieu of flowers, donors may contribute to South Asia Earthquake relief at Worldvision.com, or Pikes Peak Hospice, Silver Key or a charity of their choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Nov. 17, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for William Spengler

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5 Entries

Mark Caton

December 2, 2005

I was fortunate to meet Bill and work with him a few years ago when he was collecting clothing and other goods for a Sister Cities projects. He needed some temporary space to store and consolidate these goods, and we happened to have some open space at the time. He was very appreciative for the space and help we provided, and made us all better people by his example.



The words I would use to describe Bill are genuine and dedicated. From the first moment you met him you knew he was an excellent human being who had a real interest in positively impacting his community and in fact the world. He had a genuine interest in those around him, even when he was just getting to know them. In addition, he was dedicated to the effort of making life better for those less fortunate -- planting seeds of success so that they could achieve greater things in the future -- be it clothing or old computers and technology. Bill had a vision of what others could do and then followed a path to get it done.



His family should be very proud of this man, and attempt to lead similar paths of leadership in whatever endeavor they pursue. I must admit that I did not keep in touch with Bill over the past few years, but his example of love and friendship will live on in all the memories that I retain of this man.



I will return the smiles to all Barber Shop quartets I encounter in Bill's memory. Bill walked the talk, and helped us to do so also! Sincerely submitted,

Jane Hegstrom

November 20, 2005

We'll miss seeing Bill walking Troy in the Canon. His stories and his love for his family are wonderful memories of a fasinating man.

Getty Nuhn

November 19, 2005

Bill, you will be missed on Ridgeway. My love to all your family. Getty

bill and wanda brown

November 17, 2005

We were very saddened at hearing of Bill's death. He was indeed a dynamic force in this community and dedicated to improving humanity. He will be sorely missed.

David Dahm

November 17, 2005

Very sorry to hear about Bill's passing. He was a friend.

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