Spencer J. Akers, 18
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Spencer James Akers, 18, of 170 Christian Hill Road, died Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, in the alpine village of Leysin, Switzerland.
Born in New York on Aug. 24, 1989, son of James and Mary Pat Akers, Spencer was finishing up his senior year at Leysin American School. He received academic honors at both Monument Mountain Regional High School and LAS, earning a letter of commendation as a national merit scholar.
He spent his early youth in Summit, N.J., where he was a Cub Scout and an active participant in sports of all kinds. His family moved to Great Barrington in June 1998.
Mr. Akers worked at Egremont Country Club last summer, where he was also a member. He was also a member of Wyantenuck Country Club.
In his spare time, he built a website-design business and volunteered his technology skills to the benefit of several local organizations.
He had a passion for skiing and was described by teachers as a strategic thinker who enjoyed a challenge.
In addition to his parents, he leaves his sister, Natalie Akers; a brother, Ian Akers; his paternal grandparents, Katherine and John Akers of Chautauqua, N.Y.; and his maternal grandmother, Marjorie Englehart of Bedford, Va.; aunts and uncles, Susan Akers and her husband, Richard Dowling, of Dover, N.J., John Akers and cousins Austin, Emily and Charlie of Denver, Stephanie and Richard Akers and cousin Tommy of Florham Park, N.J., Peter and Janice Englehart and cousins Patrick and Logan of Stamford, Conn., Phillip and Margaret Englehart and cousins Abe and Jacob of Kansas City, Kan., and Andrew and Victoria Englehart and cousins Oliver, Isabel and Adeline of Cincinnati; and his faithful and loving dog, Omar.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A memorial celebration for Mr. Akers will be held on Friday, March 2,from 6 to 9 p.m. at Ski Butternut Upper Lodge in Great Barrington, with the Rev. Charles T. Rush, officiating. A memorial service was also held on Feb. 16 at the alpine church in Leysin.
Memorial gifts may go to the "Spencer Akers Memorial Fund" at Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, 271 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.