Arthur Raymond Spicer Jr.

June 13, 1922 - October 29, 2009

Arthur Spicer is survived by his wife of 24 years, Joan Spicer of Redding, CA.

Art was born to Olive and Arthur Spicer, Sr. on June 13, 1922 in Redding in a house that is still standing. After attending Shasta High School, he enlisted in the . He served aboard the Heavy USS Chester (CA-27). His ship was underway from the to on December 7, 1941. The Chester was involved in most of the Pacific Island battles. She twice took bomb hits and a mid-ship torpedo. Each time, after repairs, she was able to return to battle. The USS Chester received 11 stars for WWII service. Art left the Navy as a Gunner's Mate, 2nd class. He was part of "the rare breed" of the greatest generation. Over the course of a three decade career with The Pacific T & T Company in Redding, where he began as a lineman, he retired as a First Line Supervisor in 1979.

Arthur's first marriage of 31 years ended with the death of his wife Bette in 1984.

Art is also survived by a sister, nieces, nephews and their families: Dorothy Mae Guinther of Auburn; Nancy McKenzie of Aptos; Lorie Lloyd of Weimer; Eric Guinther of Kaneohe, HI; Norm and Bobbi Swan of Placitas, NM; Ted and Carol Swan of Mercer Island, WA; Al and Debbie Swan of Redding; Atman and Carolyn Swan Rais of Reno; Jeffrey and Carie Swan Kitchell of Murphys ; Jim and Carolyn Bowler and Karen Packwood of Susanville; 13 great-nieces/nephews and 15 great-great nieces/ nephews. Everyone that ever met Art instantly took a genuine liking of him, and it resulted in many life-long and loyal friendships.

With a gleam in his eye and a smile on his face, Art loved to be around people. Always charming, always enjoyable he had a terrific sense of humor and a love of laughter. There were so many things Art loved: dancing, listening to Swing or Jazz music, traveling, a good "honk", cooking for his friends, his trains, telling stories, and especially his family. He will be greatly missed.

Services will be held November 20, 2009 at 2 p.m., at the Northern California Veteran's Cemetery located at 11800 Gas Point Rd., just south of the community of Igo.