A beloved World War II veteran known for his community spirit in Estevan is being remembered by those who were closest to him. Jim Spenst was on his way to the Netherlands for the 80th anniversary celebrations of the country’s liberation. But health complications forced him to be re-routed to Toronto, where he passed away on May 7th. He was 99-years-old. Spenst’s family described him as a gruff man but also a community icon, always willing to lend a hand. “His bark was worse than his bite,” said Jim’s youngest son Daryl. “I know he spent a lot of time with the Legion, he would always say about the medals on his right side … yeah, he pretty well built the Legion here. Like he did a lot of work around here.” According to those who knew him best, Spenst was many things, but chief among them, he was a very proud veteran of the Second World War. Spenst enlisted with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps on Remembrance Day in 1943 at the age of 17. He trained in Canada until he was shipped off to the United Kingdom in June 1944. Thankfully, he never had to put his infantry training to use. Spenst primarily transported equipment and supplies to different troops across Europe, including Belgium and France. He returned home in December 1945 and was discharged a few months later. In 2023, the Ambassador of France to Canada, Michel Miraillet presented Spenst with the insignia of Knight of the Legion of Honour. The honour is France’s highest distinction and was presented to Spenst at the Estevan Legion. Spenst also attended a very special event in 2024. “Last year Jim went to the D-Day celebration in Normandy, and I remember when I went and talked to him about it, he was so excited, you could just see him come alive with the idea of going over there,” said Royal Canadian legion of Estevan Branch #60 President Frosty Forrest. “This year the same thing, he was going to go to the Netherlands for the liberation of the Netherlands and was very excited about it, and very excited to be going. Sadly, he didn’t quite make it, but I’d have to think he was there in spirit.” Spenst was a member of the Estevan Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 70 years, doing a bit of everything in the building – leaving a lasting impact on those he worked with. “I’ve had the opportunity of knowing Jim for just about 20 years. Him and I worked together here in the Legion for a lot of years in the kitchen and bartending and things so, he will be greatly missed,” said Southeast Military Museum Assistant Executive Director Troy LeBlanc. According to Daryl, even in his father’s final years, he was still spry and full of creativity. “We’d play crib with him at the home, then we’d have what I called arts and crafts with Jimmy, because he’d have this idea in his brain that he wants to make something, but just trying to get it out, you have to figure it out a little,” he recalled. “Then once we figured out what he wanted, we’d go and get things photocopied and pictures printed and then take it back to the home and get it all set up.” Reflecting on memories is sure to be constant in the coming days – as Spenst made his mark on so many in the community. “I’m going to miss you Dad,” Daryl added. “I’m glad I had the time I did with him before he passed, I was with him when he passed at the hospital. I’m just glad I was there with him.”
