Spencer, a member of the Royal British Legion for more than 60 years and organiser of the Lytham St Annes Poppy Appeal for more than 40, died last month. aged 84.
During his membership he served in every capacity of the Legion’s St Annes Branch committee and he raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Poppy Appeal as local organiser for 40 years.
He was a familiar sight collecting for the appeal in St Annes and Lytham, often wearing a distinctive poppy suit.
The Royal British Legion had a strong representation at the funeral, with standard bearers and a bugle player, while donations to the Poppy Appeal in his memory were invited by his family .
Spencer, a father of three and grandfather of five, served in the Army Service Corps and among the officer he drove was Second World War military commander Field Marshall Montgomery.
Coun Ed Nash, armed forces member of Fylde Council anbd Head of Fylde Veterans, said: “Spencer was a one-off who will be so much missed and very difficult to replace.”
1. Final farewell to a fondly-remembered champion fund-raiser
Standard Bearers pay tribute Poppy Appeal stalwart Spencer Leader at his funeral at St Annes United Reformed Church. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
2. Final tribute to dedicated fund-raiser for Poppy Appeal
Standard Bearers at the funeral of Spencer Leader, former St Annes British Legion president who raised thousands of pounds for the British Legion Poppy Appeal over more than 40 years. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
3. Farewell to the Poppy Man
Spencer Leader as the people of St Annes and Lytham will remember him - a champion fund-raiser for the Poppy Appeal Photo: Daniel Martino
4. Farewell to Poppy Appeal fund-raiser stalwart
Mourners at the funeral of Spencer Leader at St Annes United Reformed Church. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
5. Final farewell to Poppy Appeal fund-raising stalwart
Spencer's coffin was decorated and adorned with poppies in fitting tribute to his fund-raising exploits. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
6. Poppy Man's final jourbney
Mourner look on as the hearse carrying the coffin of Spencer Leader, former St Annes British Legion president who raised thousands of pounds for the British Legion Poppy Appeal, arrives as the church. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Stuttard