Irving Spector of San Juan Island, formerly of Memphis, Tenn., passed away peacefully on June 26, 2009 at Islands Convalescent Center on San Juan Island.

He was 95.

He was born March 29, 1914 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jean Rosenthal Spector.

He is survived by two children, Howard Spector (Joan) of Germantown, Tenn., and Barbara Spector Angel of San Juan Island; five grandchildren, Roxanne Angel of San Juan Island, Claire Angel of Seattle, Jacob Angel (Kristi) of Orcas Island, Stephanie Spector Sklar (Joel) of Germantown, and Frannie Spector of Atlanta; and a sister, Bernice Wolman of Seattle. Special joys to his life were his three great-grandchildren, Drew and Benjamin Sklar of Germantown and Jersie Rose Burgess Angel of San Juan Island.

He was the general plant manager of Zell Products Inc. in Norwalk, Conn., for 38 years. After both children married and settled in Memphis, the Spectors relocated to join them and their grandchildren. He began a second career, in real estate, which spanned 30 years.

In recent years, he was the department head of collections for Omni Eye Services. He finally retired at age 91 and moved to the Pacific Northwest.

Earlier in his life, he was an avid bowler and he wrote poetry until his death. Irving remained remarkably young at heart, of spirit and of physical appearance throughout his life.

Irving never had an enemy. He always had a joke, a pun, a laugh and a handful of M&Ms. He was beloved by his family, friends, co-workers and many others who were fortunate enough to cross paths with this humble, self-effacing, gentle man. He left a legacy of smiles and concern for others.

He was a former member of Beth Sholom Synagogue in Memphis.

Burial services were June 30 at Valley Cemetery, San Juan Island. Rabbi Cindy Enger of Congregation Beth Israel, Bellingham, officiated.

The family request that memorials be sent to the American Heart Association or the charity of the donors’ choice.

— Family of Irving Spector