Please find below the internal IDRC announcement. The IDRC Alumni joins IDRC in mourning Randy’s passing, and agree with the words of our colleague Rohinton Medora, who said in a recent email to the Alumni, “I cannot think of a more stalwart IDRC-er from our era than Randy.”
IDRC mourns the passing of Randy Spence
IDRC is saddened to learn of the passing of former colleague William Randall (Randy) Spence (1944-2026), who was a longtime leader in economics and poverty alleviation, particularly in Africa and Asia.
Spence served with IDRC from 1990-2005 as a senior program specialist in economics and as director of IDRC’s Southeast and East Asia regional officein Singapore. In both roles, he was a catalyst for pivotal programming. His leadership on IDRC’s work on economic policy and its distributional consequences culminated in the self-standing institution Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP), now a leading economic policy network in the Global South. PEP grew out of an IDRC program Spence developed, Micro Impacts for Macro and Adjustment Policies (MIMAP). Spence was also foundational to IDRC’s early support for information and communications technology (ICT) policy development in several Asian countries — including championing IDRC’s support for the creation of Lirneasia — and to the founding of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), which is another self-standing international institution, in China, that emerged from IDRC programming.
Rohinton Medhora, IDRC’s vice-president, programs from 2002-2012 (and with IDRC starting in 1992), praised Spence’s impact on both IDRC’s programming and people. “Even when he wasn’t the lead, his behind-the-scenes leadership and encouragement made it a pleasure for a generation of staff to work for — he would say with — him,” Medhora said.
IDRC’s Martha Melesse, senior program specialist in the sustainable inclusive economies program, was among that generation of staff who worked with Spence. “I had the privilege of working with Randy during his time as team leader for the MIMAP program,” Melesse recalled. “His intellect and foresight, combined with compassionate leadership, set him apart. He consistently put people first and brought out the best in those around him. He was a mentor to many of us and exemplified what true leadership looks like. I feel fortunate to have had people like Randy early in my career who made such a positive impact.”
Federico Burone, regional director for the Latin America and the Caribbean regional office (LACRO), recalled how Spence’s personality infused his work. “I remember Randy as someone of genuine kindness, wisdom and quiet warmth,” Burone said. “He had a remarkable way of listening deeply and marking people feel understood — whether in conversation, in work with others or through openly sharing his love for music and guitar. His humanity, generosity of spirit and warm smile will stay with me forever.”
Medhora echoed the role music, family and humour played in Spence’s life. “He was soft-spoken and funny, also a great guitar player and devoted family man. He was a fine colleague and friend to so many.”
In 2022, PEP marked its 20th anniversary with tributes to PEP pioneers, including Spence, who it recognized as “the visionary behind PEP’s origins.” “PEP has been the most impactful development program and organization that I have been involved with,” Spence said in the tribute. “The heavy lifting has been done by research, policy and academic partners, and I think everyone involved in the management would probably agree that it is a pleasure and privilege to be of service.”
IDRC extends deepest sympathy to Randy’s family — including wife Nancy, children Samantha and Nicholas, their partners and his four grandchildren — friends and former colleagues.
Bulletin 81
July 2026