Michael Herman Spence

​Michael Herman Spence, best known as Mike Spence, died on April 11, 2019 at age 52.

Born July 17, 1966, Mike was born and raised in West Covina, California as the eldest of three. He was an Eagle Scout and officially began his political career as student body president at Edgewood High School. He later graduated from UCLA with a degree in Political Science. Mike was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served a two-year mission in Frankfurt, Germany. He also served in many leadership and teaching positions, including five years as Bishop; his favorite was seminary teacher, teaching teenagers at six in the morning. Mike was a taxpayer advocate and political strategist. He was a skilled orator and debater. He served as chief of staff for two state legislators. He served on the boards of various non-profit and conservative groups and has been recognized for helping defeat over $200 million worth of tax increases. He loved and advocated for West Covina. He was a former mayor and city councilman. Prior to that, he served on the West Covina Unified School District Board for over 20 years, starting at age 25. Mike was known for his cutting sarcasm and being outspoken and direct. He would say what others were thinking. He hated meetings that took too long without a purpose. One of his notable patterns was, he gave directions by referencing food establishments. Mike is survived by his parents, Ron and Rosa Spence; his sisters Jennifer Spence and Kathryn Cecil; several nieces and nephews; and most importantly, his wife Marielena Spence and his beloved children Reagan and Nathanael. Mike and Marielena were married for 26 years.

Mike is survived by his parents, Ron and Rosa Spence; his sisters Jennifer Spence and Kathryn Cecil; several nieces and nephews; and most importantly, his wife Marielena Spence and his beloved children Reagan and Nathanael. Mike and Marielena were married for 26 years. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud to be Reagan and Nathanael’s Dad. Services will be held Saturday, April 27, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 1307 S. Orange Ave, West Covina, CA 91790. There will be a Viewing at 9:30 AM, Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, Food at 12:15 PM followed by a private burial at Rose Hills Memorial Park. The family invites you to share pictures, memories, stories, and condolences on the “Memories of Mike” Facebook page. A Go Fund Me account “Mike Spence Memorial” has been established for his children.