Spencer Cearns was my loving husband and best friend. He was the devoted son of Dan and Teresa Cearns (Eschbach). He was the cherished brother of Stephanie Boutry (husband Matt), Skyler Cearns, Slater Cearns and Sierra Cearns (wife Rhian). He was the “fun uncle” to Hudson Brown, Anderson Brown, Charlotte Boutry, William Boutry, Elliott Boutry and Sullivan Cearns. Spencer was 43 years young when he unexpectedly passed from a complex case of Endocarditis. His family meant the world to him, and on Dec.10, 2022, we said our last good-byes to our beloved “Master Doctor.”
Spence was Dan and Teresa’s first son, born on Sept. 26, 1979, in Renton, Washington. Spence was raised in South Bend, Washington where he attended elementary school, middle school and one year of high school. He loved growing up in Pac County. I’ve heard stories of trips to Forries, camping with his family, frog giggin’ with his grandpa Jim, riding bikes through town, swimming in the Willapa, shed ball games, lip syncs, pulled fire alarms, open gyms and all things sports related. Spence truly loved competition of all types and he loved to win. His parents even created a ‘court’ in their side yard which provided hours of shooting practice with the family. He played soccer, baseball, basketball, track, wrestling, competitive men’s slowpitch, pickle ball and golf. If you put Dan, Grandpa Jim and Spence in a room together you would hear nonstop “sports talk.” They remembered every game, every play, every shot. It wouldn’t be long before the laughter started — followed by another story and another.
Spence attended Raymond High School and that is where we met. At 17 years of age, I, Danielle Cearns (Langbraaten), fell in love with his bright eyes, keen intellect, strong sense of humor, beautiful teeth and bubbly handwriting. I have so many memories that include Spence, Steph, and Greg (Haerling) — proms, sporting events, ‘watching the kids,’ movies, SNL and high school antics that might not be allowed in today’s schools. Spence traveled to Rhode Island to play basketball for a summer after his junior year of high school. At 17 years of age, Spence told me he “loved me more than Mountain Dew.”
We graduated from Raymond High School in 1998 and Spence spent that summer working in Alaska. Prior to that he paid his dues managing the tides and working in the oyster beds. He attended college at Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University and University of Hawaii. He and Steph both graduated from Western. Spence graduated in 2003 with a BA and double major. He loved Bellingham and we went back to visit just a few years ago. The Beaver Inn is still there. I am so thankful for that trip.
Spence also graduated from Willamette Law in 2009 with his Juris Doctorate. He spent one quarter of this program learning in China. He visited the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and ate small octopus from a skewer (among other things of course). Even as a child Spence had a strong propensity for winning arguments — he had his grandpa Jim convinced that he could read the entire “Where the Wild Things Are” children’s book at age 3. We knew all those years of watching Law and Order and true crime television would pay off.
Spence then graduated with a MA in Environmental Studies from The Evergreen State College in 2010. Ever the professional student, Spence loved to learn and his parents and grandpa Jim supported him in his every effort. My husband was the smartest person I will ever know, and he often proved his skill with nightly Jeopardy games on Alexa and Trivia Nights with his team. During his travels in education he also built a large group of friends that are all a part of his stories, shenanigans and heart. He has gone by Spenny, Scar Sanchez, Plinko, Colonel and Uncle Pence. He loved nicknames, and I know many of his friends only by those monikers he blessed you with.
Spence and I were married on July 19, 2008, at the Swiss Hall in Raymond, Washington. We were surrounded by many family and friends on a beautiful summer day. This July would have been 15 years of marriage. I am so grateful for the time we had together creating memories, loving each other and growing up. We have two fur babies that Spence cared for greatly, but the true love of his life was his chihuahua, Pete. (He tolerated Petunia). I have never seen a man love a dog more.
Spence worked as an IT contracts attorney for The Evergreen State College and then the Administrative Office of the Courts. Becoming an attorney was one of his greatest achievements, and he was often called upon to offer advice and support to families and friends.
Spence was an avid sports fan. He had boxes of baseball cards, stacks of sports books, a huge collection of hats and t-shirts, and he and his dad are even shareholders for the Green Bay Packers. I am so thankful that he got to attend a game this past year with his dad and brothers. Spence and his family were often found in a gym or on a field either playing or spectating. Spence and Dan loved to identify team mascots and their capacity to remember this information astounded me. As our niece Charlie started to play basketball, he let Steph know that no niece of his would be “playing ball in a pair of sketchers.” This year Charlie got a vintage pair of “Hare Jordans” — the Space Jam edition. He did love his shoes.
Spence also loved to read. His book collection is extensive, but beyond books he loved to read magazines and newspapers (yes he still got them). I couldn’t take him to a museum, zoo, landmark or stadium without waiting for him to “finish reading” the entirety of each placard, poster, sign, pamphlet — he loved to learn. He often shared that his favorite trip ever was to Washington, D.C. with his Aunt Maryann and Uncle John. He got to visit the museums and monuments and read all the information, but, as this trip fell on Thanksgiving, Spence was allowed to choose how they celebrated. He loved that his Aunt and Uncle allowed him to get Domino’s pizza and rent Wrestle Mania via pay per view (He said it was his favorite Thanksgiving ever). This past summer we got to go to San Diego with Steph, Matt and the kids. He and William (our nephew) took so much joy in reading all the material. Do you know what an Okapi is? How about a Gharial?
Spence was a huge music fan. We have so many records from all genres including multiple copies of the RAD soundtrack (in fact, he may have been a RAD memorabilia collector). He loved attending concerts with his brothers and friends. I can still remember when he came home with a bag full of clothes that were covered in fake blood after a GWAR event. He also loved to sing karaoke. I remember nights at the Boondocks (South Bend, Washington) where I was convinced the restaurant would fall into the harbor. He was the lead singer of his band — The APE. Just this past year they got to perform in venues that extended beyond my parent’s shop and Jon Penoyar’s music studio. He may have performed once dressed as a giant ape.
Above all things, Spence loved his family. He called his mom every day (he claimed to be her favorite) and often invited his “folks” up for family dinners. I’m thankful for those family dinners at our home. We are a loud, funny and loving group who will continue to honor Spencer’s memory. We will take pirate pictures, always have gummies, eat Dick’s burgers every time we drive north, use Natural Ice chapstick, watch Die Hard at Christmas and never wear socks with our shoes (OK, maybe not that last one). I cherish every minute that we shared. He will be missed by many and will live on in our memories, stories and hearts.
Please join us for his celebration of life at the Raymond Elks on Jan. 28 from 4-7 p.m. This will be followed by karaoke at the Pitchwood starting at 8 p.m. Donations can be made in his name to The Raymond Foundation or Ladies of the Elks.
