Vance Spaulding was born in Exeter, New Hampshire and moved to Bedford in 1975, where he his home and raised his family.

Vance earned an Associate’s Degree in Architecture and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from UMass Lowell. His career included positions with Isaac & Isaac and Public Service of New Hampshire, where he worked on the high-voltage transmission infrastructure that serves the Northeast. He later owned and operated his own contracting company, VAST Improvements, and worked as a Construction Superintendent for ARENCO and Stenbeck Design.

In 1969, Vance enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning a 34-year military career that included four years of active duty and 30 years in the Naval Reserve. During his active service, he sailed the Mediterranean aboard the USS Little Rock (CLG-4). He rose through the enlisted ranks to Chief Petty Officer before being commissioned as an officer. He ultimately attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. During his Naval Reserve service, he served in the Civil Engineer Corps (SeaBees) and deployed to Panama during Operation Just Cause. He retired after 34 years of combined military service.

Vance was a skilled craftsman who enjoyed working with his hands and solving problems. He spent decades building and improving his home and restored two MGB sports cars from the ground up, one for each of his sons. He also had a lifelong interest in military history, particularly World War II naval ships and aircraft, an interest he passed down to his grandson Aidan. He enjoyed visiting museums, memorials, and historic sites, including Pearl Harbor.

He was also an avid photographer and took great pleasure in documenting family gatherings, holidays, celebrations, and everyday moments. His photographs preserved countless memories for generations of his family and friends.