JOHN M. SPRUCE
DOVER-FOXCROFT - John M. Spruce, 65, husband of Catherine (Taylor) Spruce, died unexpectedly March 13, 2002, in Orlando, Fla. He was born Oct. 28, 1936, in Millinocket, the son of Mahlon C. and Helen (Doucette) Spruce. He was a graduate of Stearns High School, Millinocket, Class of 1954, and University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind., Class of 1958. John loved children and spent most of his life in education, first as a classroom teacher for 14 years and then as principal of SeDoMoCha Middle School for another 14 years. During that time, he coached sports from Little League to high school. Through his many years of broadcasting local games, he became known by many as the "Voice of the Ponies." After his retirement seven years ago, he remained involved in education, working as an adult education teacher. He also was very active with the Piscataquis YMCA, first as interim director, and then as president of the board of directors until the time of his death.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Catherine of Dover-Foxcroft; four children and their families, Jody McKusick, her husband, Paul, their children, Melissa and her husband, Andrew Houser, Ashley and Scott; Jay Spruce and Tracey Jackson and their son, Kobie, and Jay's children, Trey and Brittany; Jennifer Gross, her husband, Donald, their sons, Colton and Taylor; Julie Bowen, her husband, Darrell, their children, Craig and Nicole. He is also survived by his mother, Helen Spruce of Millinocket. John touched many lives, and will be sadly missed by all of them.

Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2002, at SeDoMoCha Middle School, Dover-Foxcroft, with the Rev. Kenneth Dale officiating. Spring interment will be in Lee Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Piscataquis YMCA, 30 Park St., Dover-Foxcroft 04426. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home.