Cecil “Nelson” Handbury of Winfield, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Rimbey on Friday, September 26, 2008 at the age of 88 years.
Nelson was born in Bittern Lake, Alberta on September 2, 1920. His family moved to Winfield to homestead when he was three years old. Nelson and his five siblings, Jack, Hilda, Helen, Doris and Bruce grew up and attended school in Winfield. In 1941, Nelson joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and served until 1945. It was while he was stationed in Neepawa, Manitoba that he met Doris Saunders. They were united in marriage on November 28, 1946. Nelson then purchased his land in Winfield and built the house where he and Doris raised their five children, Neil, Les, Rita, Randy and Lloyd. He loved farming and did so for over 60 years. Nelson also worked for Carroll Brothers Lumber Mill in Winfield and then moved on to be an oilfield battery operator for Seaboard out of Alder Flats. Following this, he worked for Candel Oil Gas Plant in Buck Lake for nineteen years. Nelson then happily retired to his farm where he continued to pasture cattle and spend his time building and fixing many things for family and friends. Nelson was very active in the community. He was a 4H leader for fifteen years and was a passionate member of the Winfield Lions Club for 31 years. Nelson received many awards and acknowledgements for his charity work with the Lions Club over the years, and was a beloved and respected member of the community.
Nelson will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Doris; his four sons, Neil Handbury of Winfield; Les (Carol) Handbury of Leslieville; Randy (Donna) Handbury of Winfield; and Lloyd (Debbie) Handbury, also of Winfield; and his one daughter, Rita (Bill) Duffy of Buck Lake; as well as eleven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. He will also be lovingly remembered by three sisters, Hilda (Bill) Massion of Victoria, B.C.; Helen (Ladd) Parsons of Camrose; and Doris Sprinkling, also of Victoria, B.C.; in addition to many nieces and nephews. Nelson was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Jack and Bruce.
A Public Funeral Service in Celebration of Nelson’s Life was held at the Winfield Community Centre, Winfield on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend David Holmes officiating. Interment followed in the Mount Clare Cemetery, Winfield. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Nelson’s Memory may be made directly to Lions Clubs International ~ the SightFirst II Project or to the Hearing & Speech Action & Work With The Deaf Project, c/o Winfield Lions Club, Box 219, Winfield, Alberta T0C 2X0. Condolences to the Family may also be expressed by e-mail to: special_reflections@telusplanet.net
Funeral and Burial Arrangements for the
Late Cecil “Nelson” Handbury
entrusted to the care of
Oberhammer Funeral Chapels Ltd.
Rimbey, Alberta
Telephone (403) 843-4445