Vale: Rod Spencer

Family, friends and the printing industry were saddened to hear about the recent passing of one of its great icons in Rod Spencer late last week.

Spencer, who was a major figure in the A/NZ printing industry over several decades – from his time with Heidelberg distributor Seligson & Clare/Aldus Group, through to his retirement – left the world peacefully surrounded by family and friends at 80 years of age.

Heidelberg A/NZ said he was a man who made a huge impression on all those who he met and truly dedicated his life not only to his beloved family, but the printing industry and Heidelberg Australia and New Zealand.

Spencer retired in 2001 after over 44 years of commitment to Heidelberg and played an instrumental role in helping to shape the industry and countless companies who dealt with him over the years.

“He will be remembered fondly by many friends and colleagues, not only locally but all over the world. He was well respected, and the news of his passing was felt all the way back to the German Headquarters of Heidelberg where those who knew him spoke fondly of him and sent their condolences immediately,” Heidelberg said.

Heidelberg A/NZ managing director Savas Mystakidis said Spencer will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

“I had the great pleasure to start my career at Heidelberg under the guiding eye of the great Rod Spencer. His knowledge, generosity, wisdom and charisma were inspiring as he helped all those around him like a father figure. He will be sadly missed, and our thoughts and prayers go to his wife Patricia, family and friends,” he said.  

The funeral for Spencer will be held on 26 May at 11.30am at St Johns Church – 494 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham Victoria.

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9 thoughts on “Vale: Rod Spencer

  1. Very sad news – Rod was a consummate sales professional who put the interests of his clients first, and the success of Seligson & Clare, later Heidelberg Australia, was built on the kind of principles he and his team espoused. More than that, ‘RJS’ as all his memos were signed, contributed to a corporate culture which is rarely found these days, where colleagues were ‘family’ and, when one was in need, the company quietly stepped in to provide the required support. I remember his energy, his ‘phone voice’ and his laugh very well, and send my condolences to Patricia, Mark and the rest of the family. Vale Rod.

  2. Very sorry to hear the sad news of Rod’s passing. Whilst I didn’t have the pleasure to work directly with Rod in my 45 years with the Aldus / Heidelberg Group we became good friends & he was always there when I needed any advice.
    My condolences to his family.
    RIP my friend.

  3. So saddened to hear this news. Rod was a stalwart of the Industry and respected by all who had the opportunity to meet him.
    Our condolences to the family.
    Meredith and Rob

  4. So saddened to hear this news. Rod was a stalwart of the Industry and respected by all who had the opportunity to meet him. Condolences to all the family.

  5. Sad to hear about the passing of Rod Spencer great person to be involved with in the print industry over the years
    His work within Pacprint Boards and GAMMA was invaluable!
    Will be sadly missed
    Condolences to the family❤️
    Cheers
    Ron Patterson

  6. Although in direct opposition to Rod for many years, we enjoyed a mutual love of the industry & both retired on the same day.
    Our condolences to Patricia & Family.
    Gay & Alf Carrigan

  7. Although working in direct opposition to Rod for many years, we enjoyed a mutual love of the industry & both retired on the same day.
    Our condolences to Patricia & Family.
    Gay & Alf Carrigan

  8. Condolences to Rod’s family and colleagues. I worked at Aldi’s for 7 years paying the accounts for S&C whom Rod was the Boss always straight forward and a pleasure to work with.
    Janette

  9. I am so sad to hear of Rod’s passing. He was my mentor and friend during the various stages of my business career in the printing industry, right back to the delivery of the first GTO in Australia ordered with him at DRUPA 1972. Such a wonderful man and always there to help through so many years. My sincere condolences to Trish and family.
    Colin Beruldsen

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