Carl Ernest Spilman

July 12, 1921 — Jan. 8, 2013

Born in 1921, to Charles E. Spilman and Clara A. Nauman, Carl was a third-generation Sacramentan and a graduate of Sacramento High School and Principia Junior College. He attended Stanford University where he left before graduating to join the Navy and serve as an electronics technician 1st Class from 1943-1946.

Carl’s record of service above self is impressive indeed. Carl was owner and President of Spilman Printing Company, 55 year member of the Rotary Club of Sacramento and President in 1979/80, a 33rd degree Mason, Life Member and Venerable Master in 1972 of the Sacramento Scottish Rite and 50 year member, Life Member of Washington Lodge #20, F.&A.M., with 50 years of membership, Past Potentate of the Ben Ali Temple of the Shrine and 50 year member, Past Director of the Sacramento Court 119, Royal Order of Jesters, Past Director of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, Past Director of the Golden Empire Council of the Boy Scouts, Board Member of the Marguerite Home, Past President of the Sacramento Civic Theater, Past Member of the 20/30 Club and the Order of DeMolay, Past Deacon of Fremont Presbyterian Church, Charter member of the Sacramento Community Leaders Prayer Breakfast Group, Life member of the Grandfathers Club, member of the Sutter Club, El Macero Country Club, and the Sacramento Outing Duck Club.

Carl was a true gentleman and his positive attitude won him many friends throughout his long life. He loved being around people. When asked how he was feeling even if he it was obvious he was in some physical pain, he would always reply, “Just wonderful, thank you!” with a smile on his face. He never stopped working. At 91, Carl still had a legal drivers license in his wallet and drove to his office in downtown Sacramento almost to the very end. His energy, curiosity, and love of life were remarkable. His last words to the family were, “I’ve done everything I ever wanted to do…almost.”

Carl was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his three children, Craig Spilman of Davis, Carol Ward of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Joyce Jonsson of El Macero; grandchildren Rachel, Michele, Angela, Stacy, Alanna and Emily; and great-grandchildren Tyler, Nicholas and Jacob. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen who he celebrated 61 years of marriage before her passing in 2008.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at Fremont Presbyterian Church, 5770 Carlson Drive  in Sacramento. A reception will follow. Remembrances in lieu of flowers can be made to Fremont Presbyterian Church or the Sacramento Scottish Rite Temple Childhood Learning Center.