Obituary of Edward Young Handford
Ed went peacefully with his Granddaughter by his side on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 after a brief illness. Born in Englehart, NJ and raised in Renfrew, Ontario, he was the eldest son of the late “Dr. Ed” and Lillian Marie (Hooper) Handford. Ed is survived by his daughter Karen Handford (Brian Yolkowskie) of Renfrew; his Granddaughter Brianna (Yolkowskie) Caron (Blake); Great grandsons Walker and Bo (Arnprior); former spouse Doris (Elliott) Handford (Renfrew). Pre-deceased by adoptive son Michael; his brother & very special friend Robert (Bob) who is survived by Mary Caldwell and their children Andrew (Moira-Ann), Martha, Laura and Matthew (Bobbi) and 6 Grandchildren (Emily, Cameron, Luisa, Joshua, Aaron, Lilly) who now reside throughout British Columbia and Alberta. Additionally survived by James (Beth) Handford (Renfrew).
Ed lived a full life and enjoyed telling stories about his youthful shenanigans that he shared with his brother Bob or his hunting, fishing and pilot buddies. He had a unique sense of humour, lots of colourful expressions, and was a true Ottawa Valley character. Ed followed in his Grandfather S.A.L. Handford’s footsteps as an accomplished professional Photographer and retailer at the Handford Studio (est 1896) in Renfrew. Following closure of the business, the photographic collections and some historical processing equipment were digitally archived or displayed in the National Archives of Canada, Arnprior & McNab/Braeside Archives and at the McDougall Mill Museum of Renfrew. Ed then applied his pilot and retail expertise to a variety of roles including Carp Airport Manager and car salesman.
To continue with the Handford’s tradition of contributing to Queen’s University, Ed has chosen to donate his body to the Medical and Science programs. Future cremation and interment in Thompsonville Cemetery, Renfrew. A sincere thank you to The Grove nursing home staff in Arnprior for their kind care, patience and appreciation of his sense of humour.
In memory of Ed, donations may be made to Queen’s University Robert L. Handford family entrance award. This bursary is awarded on the basis of financial need and demonstrated involvement in high school extra- curricular and or community activities to students entering first year of any direct-entry undergraduate program at Queen’s University or the RCAF Wing 433 Renfrew, ON
