Nicholas Handfield-Jones died on August 2, 2024, in Ottawa, Canada. He will be deeply missed by his parents, Richard Handfield-Jones and Alexandra Heber, his brother, William Handfield-Jones, and his many friends and relatives.
Nick was born in Mississauga, Ontario. Over the years, he lived in Oakville, Toronto, London (Ontario), Ottawa and Amsterdam. He attended high school at Ottawa’s Lisgar Collegiate Institute (2010-13), Amsterdam University College for his BSc (2013-16), and Western University for his Masters in Neurosciences (2017-19). During the past four years, he worked first at the Wine Rack in Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighbourhood, then with the federal government in the Department of National Defence.
Nick was a natural-born and compassionate leader. He edited multiple school newspapers and journals, chaired university committees, and mentored fellow students throughout his time in school. He had a profound social conscience with a genuine belief in equality, the public good and the welfare of others.
As an athlete, Nick loved his many years with the Gefilte Fish Swim Club (later Swim Ottawa). He was very proud of his “Most Improved Swimmer” award. He was a runner, entering the Ottawa Run and Army Run races over many years. And he especially enjoyed downhill skiing – a big guy floating effortlessly down any slope.
Nick was a writer and a thinker. Since his earliest years, Nick has turned out millions of words – in his childhood stories, detailed study notes, scientific papers, social media posts, short stories, novels and, most recently, poetry. He enjoyed any opportunity to debate: politics, the role of social media, movies, medieval history, the latest pop music. You name it, he’d have an opinion, usually backed by extensive reading and reflective thought.
Nick was open and proud of being a gay man.
Above all, Nick was a lover of life and a giver of love and compassion. He had a huge heart – caring deeply about everyone around him. Nothing guided him more than his consideration for the feelings of others. He was always there for his friends and family when they were struggling. His quirky sense of humour made us all laugh. His relationships and friendships were true and life-long.
He was an enlightened soul in the modern age.
A memorial will be held at Beechwood Cemetery on Thursday, August 15th.
2:00 PM: Meet and Greet
3:00 PM: Formal ceremony
3:45 PM: Informal gathering
Dress Code: Casual to Business Casual
Nicholas’s ashes will be interred on a later date.
The ceremony will be live streamed to allow his many friends and relatives around the world to join us. REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND VIA LIVE STREAM
Digital Guestbook
Riyad Islam
Don and Angela Richardson
We are deeply saddened by the loss of your son, Nicholas. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
With our heartfelt condolences,
Don and Angela
Alisha Wilkinson
Nick was a true friend who’s kindness, curiosity, and big heart touched everyone he knew and he will be so deeply missed. I will cherish all the wonderful memories we made together. Sending love and heartfelt condolences.
Olga Khazov
I am so sorry for your loss. I was in the same program as Nick at Western and my memories of Nick are that of a kind, funny, artistic, and incredibly intelligent person. I will never forget how genuinely supportive he was and the wonderful conversations we had. We will deeply miss him.
Fardous Hosseiny
My thoughts are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. While words may feel inadequate, please know that you are surrounded by a community that cares deeply for you.
With deepest sympathy,
Fardous
Jody Thomas
Alex
I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words that help at this time, I know this, I hope with time the smiles and laughs come with the memories of your beloved boy. My most profound condolences
Jody
Marilynn Chenette
Dear Alex and Richard, my deepest condolences on the loss of your son Nick. Nothing ever prepares parents for this and my heart and thoughts go out to you and your family during this time of grief. May all the great memories, laughs and love you shared with Nick keep him alive in your hearts forever.
Cous Cousineau
Alex, Jocelyn & I send our deepest sympathies. Words fail.
Maya Roth
Dear Alex, Richard, William and family,
Sending heartfelt condolences on the tragic passing of your wonderful son and brother, Nicholas. May memories of times shared together, and reflections on his character and contributions bring you comfort in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. May you be comforted by the support and love surrounding you during this difficult time.
Wishing you Long Life,
Maya Roth and Family
Brian and Erica Robertson
We are both so sad to hear of Nick’s death. We had an opportunity to meet him when we visited Danny and Day and were impressed with his humour and his intelligence. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family.
I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your loved ones during this difficult time. My heart and prayers are with you.