Richard C. Handy

Saco

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard "Dick" Cabell Handy, on July 6, 2024 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, ME.  He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren and passed peacefully.

Dick was born on January 28, 1935 in Pittsburgh, PA to parents Francis Louis Handy and Elizabeth Andrews Handy and a big sister Jane. Dick became a New Englander when he left to attend boarding school at Northfield Mount Hermon and went on to attend Dartmouth College. It was during this time that he met and married Barbara Handy, nee Bailey. He began his 36-year long career with Prudential in 1957 as an underwriter, worked many years in personnel, and retired as a regional Vice President in 1992. Though not necessarily extroverted, Dick was a people person and deliberately chose to relegate paperwork to evenings so that he could spend time talking and listening to colleagues and employees during the day.

Dick's biggest joy of his life was spending time with his loving wife of 69 years Barbara whom he doted on. When the time came for her to take up residence in a skilled nursing facility in the retirement community where they lived, he visited her faithfully every day.  Prior to this, in their leisure time they enjoyed travel, golfing with friends, spending time "at camp", and exploring the beaches of Cape Cod.  Equally important was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. True to his keen interest in others, he made a practice of keeping abreast of everyone's activities and took great pride in each and every one of them.

He especially enjoyed family time at his camp on Sebec Lake. As a young child during his mother's illness, Dick was taken under the wing of his elder cousin Dr. Margaret "Peggy" Handy and brought up to Maine to visit her remote cabin on Lake Onawa. His relationship with her was treasured and time at Lake Onawa continued until after her passing in 1977. In 1984, with a burgeoning family of his own, he and Barbara purchased land on the shores of nearby Sebec Lake which has become his legacy for the enjoyment of generations to come. Indeed, his children and grandchildren attribute their love of nature and wild places to this special place and will forever associate it with his memory.

Dick was one of the most caring and compassionate individuals you could ever meet, the epitome of unconditional love. A kind and gentle person, he was not one to give advice - rather, he lived in a way that is an example to us all. Chief among his interests and hobbies was flower gardening and his gardens rivaled the best in horticulture. His interest in reading was both extensive and diverse - from Dickens to the birth of the Universe; he was always on top of world affairs, and rarely missed the opportunity to tackle a NYT crossword, all while being deeply invested in the well being of all humanity and nature. He will be missed beyond measure.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years Barbara Handy, of Saco ME; his children Donna (Bill) Flynn of Otisfield ME, Susan Handy of Yarmouth Port MA, Phil (Lynne) Handy of West Barnstable MA, Christine Bulman of Parsonsfield ME; 9 beloved grandchildren, Devin and Kayleigh Flynn, Kate Wilfert, Cole and Alyssa Handy, and Carter, Sophie, Clara and Andrew Bulman; and 4 adored great-grandchildren, Jack and Rowan Flynn, Mabel and Ellie Mertz.

He was preceded in death by his sister Jane Bird and half brothers Phil and Tom Handy.

Private services will be held in Saco, Maine and Wells River, Vermont. A memorial service will take place at some time in the coming year.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the ALS Association in memory of Dick's mother Elizabeth Andrews Handy.  Link: https://donate.als.org/give/287064/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=jumppage