Spencer Jin Namba

Spencer Jin Namba returned to the arms of his mother on July 16, 2022.  He was fishing and swimming from his boat on Lake Pleasant in Arizona when an unexpected wind and storm set in and blew the boat out of his reach.  He was a strong swimmer but was overcome by the storm and drowned.

Spencer was born on November 5, 1985, to Brian and Asako Namba.  He grew up in Centerville, Utah and played nose tackle for the Viewmont Vikings.  Spencer served faithfully on a 2-year LDS mission in the Ecuador Guayaquil Mission. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University in Automotive Technology and Technical Sales. From a young age Spencer exhibited an early obsession with cars and motorized toys. Spencer took great pride in his career and automotive knowledge. His thirst for information about the latest in technology and car design was insatiable.   He was a Regional Director of Mazda Corporation in Phoenix, Arizona.  He was always shopping for cars and motorcycles and never kept one for over a year.  He always claimed that his newest purchase was his “dream car” but always moved on to a new dream car.

He loved to play and have adventures with friends and family whether it was boating, fishing, karaoke, travel, or motor sports.  He was always active, putting quality time with the people he loved first. He was the life of the party and could always make everyone laugh.

He loved to fish and in the past several months he fished in Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, and Arizona.  He shared each of those outings with his siblings, parents, and many special friends.  He was known not only for his love of fishing but also for singing for everyone aboard the boat.

Few will miss Spencer more than his 14 adoring nieces and nephews. Each succumbed to his magical gift to put any baby to sleep with his rocking and serenading. He was the baby whisperer.

Spencer leaves behind his father and stepmother, Marsha, who love him and are pre-eminently proud of him.  He is also survived by siblings Melissa, Erika (Brandon), Douglas (Claudia), Rachel (Mike).  Also 14 nieces and nephews Luck, Link, Luca, and Lily Coplin; Dakota, Oakley, Ryden, Taylor, Luna, and Mateo Namba; and Sadie, Etta, Milo, and Henry Preece.  Grandmother Yukie Namba.

A closed casket visitation will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1461 North Main Street, Centerville, Utah on Friday, July 29, from 6-8 p.m.   A funeral will be held at that same location on Saturday, July 30, at 11 a.m.  Friends and family may also visit prior to the service from 9-10:30 a.m.

Services on July 30th will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.

On August 27, 2022, a celebration of life will be held at 4530 East Gold Dust Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona.

Please join the Facebook page:  Spencer Namba Memories to read and share memories.

Condolences may be left in the “Guestbook” tab on this obituary page.