The Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley was devastated to learn that Chris Spear passed away unexpectedly in late February. Chris was a founding member of our club and involved in everything we did until he and his wife Laura moved to Providence in early 2022. After they moved they got involved in Rotary in Providence, but Chris (and Laura) were still very supportive of RNV and stayed involved behind the scenes. Below is a shortened version what Laura, also a founder of our club, posted on Chris's Facebook page:
Chris Spear passed away on February 28, 2024 in Fremont, CA while on a business trip, doing what he loved best: riding his bicycle. Chris was an avid cyclist, who rode whenever and wherever he could. He loved to travel and rode his bike in 29 states and 23 countries with plans to add Spain next month. He rode for the love of riding but also for good. Chris was a participant in the Pan Mass Challenge for 35 years, raising more than $250,000 for cancer research. Recently he rode in the Tour de Tucson, raising funds to eradicate polio and qualifying to be in the “fast group” in 2024. Chris was well known in the Design Verification industry. His book, SystemVerilog for Verification, is an industry classic, and he worked with hundreds of customers around the world for verifying electronic designs. Chris made friends easily and kept those friendships over the years, often decades. He was a loving and supportive husband and a hands-on and engaged father, serving as the Boy Scout Troop 1 Committee Chair and the town’s Girl Scout “Cookie Dad” for years. He was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley, only to appease his wife, yet served as President and as an Assistant Governor for the Rotary district. Having moved two years ago, Chris was an active member of the Rotary Club of Metro Providence and planned to be President in the coming year. Chris was known for his sense of humor, his giving nature, his love of music and concerts, and his extreme love of desserts. He was a teacher and mentor to many people, and he lived life to the fullest. Chris requested a joyous celebration of life in the form of a party, complete with carnival beads. More information will be provided in the coming weeks. Should you want to make a donation to the Pan Mass Challenge in Chris’ memory, please donate at https://donate.pmc.org/CS0010. Checks may be sent to: Chris Spear CS0010 Pan-Mass Challenge 77 Fourth Ave. Needham, MA 02494