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
Dominic
Christine Besnard
Dear Alex and Richard,
My heartfelt condolences during this very difficult time. I hope time will help in having the good memories soothes your heart.
My thoughts are with you and the family.
Christine
Deniz Fikretoglu
Dear Alex and family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Laryssa Lamrock
Alex and family, I am saddened to hear about the loss of Nicholas. He sounds like an incredible young man who will continue to inspire those who knew him. My condolences and thoughts are with you and your family.
Ronan
I feel very lucky to have been teammates with Nick during his last 2 years at Swim Ottawa. Witnessing him relentlessly pursue all of his authentic interests was very inspiring, and his great sense of humor had us all looking forward to our time at the pool. He will be missed.
Jeff Miller and Marcie Lorenzen
Richard, Alex, and Will, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your son and brother. We know you all loved him dearly and were so proud of him and we can't imagine how difficult this must be for you. Our thoughts are with you.
Jeff and Marcie
Walter Wesley Heber
Dear Auntie Alex, Richard, and Will. Very sorry for your loss!
Gretel Quinonez
With deepest sympathies.
Amber Gilberto, Winnipeg MB
Alex, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you and sending support and strength today. I am so very sorry. Big hugs. Amber
Ruby de Hart
Sincerest condolences to your family. Nick was a wonderful person, warm, sweet and intelligent, and a good friend while we studied together in Amsterdam. He will be missed.
My condolences to your family.