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
Hannah Scanlon
Laura Cunningham and Mike Flynn
Richard, Alex and William, While we couldn't be there with you today, you are in our thoughts and close to our hearts. Alex and Richard, we are devastated for you. You always spoke with such pride and love for your boys. Nothing could have prepared you for the pain and grief that has entered your life, or the hole left by losing Nicholas. While there isn't anything that Mike and I can do to ease your pain, I hope you know that we are amongst your many friends who will listen if you need someone to talk with, or someone to just sit beside you in silence when the words won't come.
Catherine Godreau and Jimmy Gaudette
Your sincere condolence to you Richard and your family. You are in our pray.
Eileen, Michael, Lauren, David and Matthew Cope
Dear Alex, Richard and Will,
We were so saddened to learn of your loss. We all have such fond memories of Nick - on the soccer field, on the slopes at school ski nights and at summer camp. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you all.
Joy Zeglinski and Scott Spinney (Amy, Evan and Ella)
We've just learned of Nick's passing and are devastated for your loss and sorry to have missed the memorial. We remember family times together and Nick as a young and beautiful boy, leading the troups about the house. Words fail but we hold you tenderly in our hearts and minds.
Joy Albuquerque and Dorian Deshauer
Dear Alex and Richard - we were so very sorry to hear the news of the loss of your son. Deepest condolences to you and your family in this difficult time.
Rosemary and Stephen Czarnuch
Thinking of you Alex and family. We wish our best to Nicholas and to you all.
Heather Brown and Jim Edmond
Alex and family
So very sorry to hear the painfully sad news. Thinking of you and sending heartfelt condolences
Lauren Donen
Dear Alex and family, I am deeply saddened by your tragic loss. A beautiful, caring, young man. I cannot imagine the depths of your grief. My heart goes out to you.
Jean-Bernard Dupuy
Dear Alex,
I am very sorry for the loss of your son. My thoughts are with you and your family, and I offer you my deepest condolences.
Will, Alex and Richard,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Nicks passing. He was such an incredible man and I know how much he meant to all of you. I am so grateful for the holidays spent with you all in Belgium and the chats I got to have with him in Ottawa. Nick left an impression on everyone he met. My heart is with you during this unimaginable time.
All my love,
Hannah