THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 8, 1995 TAG: 9510080011
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B6 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
Marion Richard ``Spike'' Splichal, 74, a Portsmouth artist whose handcrafted, clay work is in private collections throughout the country, died quietly in his home Friday night, Oct. 6, 1995.
For the last 19 years, Spike, a self-taught artist, earned numerous awards in Virginia, her neighboring states, as well as more distant places such as Iowa, Alabama, and Florida. Recognition of his clay sculpting achievements culminated in a series of exhibitions in places such as the Muscarelle Museum in Williamsburg, Va. But his greatest pleasure was sharing himself and the works of his heart, mind and hands with people as he traveled and showed across the southern Unites States. His 1990 ``Best In Show'' award at the Seawall Art Show in his adopted city of Portsmouth, Va., was his proudest moment. Having served as a loyal volunteer and active participant in that show for many years, such recognition by his own community among his friends was truly valued. Through his association with the TAA and the CDA as well a his private lessons and course offerings at Tidewater Community College, Spike strove to uncover and nurture the creative zest of others. He found his own creative niche at the age of 57 through associations developed while serving as the assistant curator of the lightship, USS Portsmouth.
Spike spent most of his adult life around the sea and ships. His U.S. Navy career as a fire control technician began in 1940 and spanned two decades, including combat service throughout World War II aboard USS Brooklyn and in Korea. His second naval career of 17 years was devoted to electronics building and repair at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock, then Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Working for the citizens of Portsmouth aboard the USS Portsmouth lightship museum completed his 40 years of sea service and introduced him to his creative career. His membership with the Fleet Reserve Association kept alive his lifelong affiliation with the sea.
Born Marion Richard Splichal on Dec. 22, 1920, in Lincoln, Neb., Spike never forgot his midwestern roots as evidenced by many of his early ``Yesterday in Clay'' art pieces. His stepmother, Charolette Splichal; his brother, Lumir F. Splichal Jr.; and his sister, Karen Allsman, remain in Nebraska and survive him. Spike's son, Clifford T. Splichal, resides in Georgia with his wife, Eun Jong, and two children. His daughter, Nancy S. Spain, and her husband, Colonel W.R. Spain, live in Northern Virginia with their three children.
His wife of 50 years, Ruth S. Splichal, invites his friends to join the family in a memorial celebration of Spike's life and work at their neighborhood place of worship, West End United Methodist Church in Portsmouth at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, 1995, with the Rev. Elisha Jones conducting the services. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Portsmouth Hospice Volunteers at P.O. Box 7052, Portsmouth, Va. 23707. Altmeyer Funeral home handled the arrangements. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB