Standing in front of Tommy Stoner’s treasured Fourth Street home, Spencer residents bid farewell to a friend, mentor and community icon with a candlelight vigil Wednesday.

Stoner passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 21. He was remembered by friends and neighbors as a champion of Spencer’s historic district who led by example through his efforts to restore and maintain his 1910, two-story frame house.

Stoner began the project in the 1990s with his late wife, Tonya. Restoration and upkeep continued until this year when the home, now shared with his wife, Judy, was featured during the Historic Salisbury Foundation’s OctoberTour.

Neighbor Laura Rodd said Stoner was an open and eager source for restoration techniques given these years of practice. He also had a thorough knowledge of the town’s history and was always ready to share his stories, kind words and encouragement, she said.

“He brought history to life and made it immediate,” said Rodd. “That’s the best kind of storytelling there is when you live in a historic place.”