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
The Scanlon Family
Polly Maher
My deepest condolences and sympathy Alex and family. Sending much love and prayers during this extremely difficult time.
Andy and Angel Smith
Words can not truly capture the depth of loss when a child passes. Memories will keep Nick living in your hearts. Richard and Alex will be in our thoughts during this time of great loss.
Ariel Frame
Nick was such a nice guy. I enjoyed hanging out with him at Western during our neuroscience events and GradCast chill sessions. This world is at a major loss without this kind man.
David and Brenda Coulas
We are so sorry for your loss. Wishing you all comfort and strength at this difficult time. We have fond memories of his ‘big smile’ at the many swim meets.
Thinking of you.
James Buchanan
So very sorry for your loss, Alex, Richard, and Will. Nick always had such wonderful energy about him. I hope time will eventually give you comfort and healing.
Jason and Dominique Cohen
Our family are very saddened to hear of your son’s passing. We send heartfelt condolences to you all. May his memory be a blessing….
Josiane and Ed Roberds
Nos sincères condoléances à toute la famille. We are sorry we will not be able to attend the ceremony. You are all in our prayers.
Edith Guimont
It’s with great sadness I learned about this terrible loss. Life brings us unwanted events but we must go on and live our life to the fullest keeping in mind the great moments spent with our loved ones. My most sincere condolences go to the family and friends.
Carolyn Brownlee Chacksfield and David Chacksfield
To you Alex and Richard and family, We are so sorry for your loss. It reaches all parents so deeply and we are thinking of you in this very difficult time.
We were truly honoured to have met Nick during his visits home to Mons, Belgium. The news of his passing deeply saddens us. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this time of immense sorrow. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a child, but our thoughts and sympathies are with you and your family. May the love that surrounds you and the cherished memories of Nick bring you comfort.