William Norman Handcock

Feb 7, 1944-May 11, 2024

William “Bill” Handcock, of Eastport, passed unexpectedly but peacefully away on May 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Cherished by Grace, his wife of nearly 59 years; daughters Cheryl (Jim Gordon), and Sandra (Peter Moss); son Sheldon (Melanie); grandchildren Ryan, Kayley (Nick Perry), Parker, Amie (Chris Perry), Abby, Aiden (Jessica Nolan), Brittany (Anthony Bonin), and Marshall; great-grandchildren Chase, Shaelin, and Will. Fondly remembered by a wide circle of family and friends.

Predeceased by parents, Donald and Dorothy Handcock; brother, Frank; parents-in-law, Thomas & Evelyn Brett; brothers-in-law, Ronald Brett and Robert Adams; sister-in-law, Phyllis Adams. Loved by his favourite dogs, Max, Checkers, Cyka and Scout.

With an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, in his younger years Bill’s dedication to community led him to become an inaugural member of the Eastport Town Council, a charter member of both the Eastport Peninsula Fire Department and the Eastport Lions Club, and a founding member of the Interfaith Seniors Complex Building Committee.

As a man of many talents, he could put his hand to anything, from adventures in moose hunting to ventures in technology. Bill’s training as a radio and tv repair technician eventually led him to become a pioneer in the satellite tv sales industry in NL. He loved to be on the cutting edge, having owned one of the first personal computers, and having built his own satellite dish and receiver. This inquisitiveness and technological skill could even be seen in the complete dismantling and reassembling of his Pentax SLR camera. A lifelong passion for photography meant he wasn’t often without his camera, capturing icebergs and wildlife.

More than his love for technology was his love for his family. Bill’s eyes would light up in their presence. Grace, his soulmate, was the love of his life. Even after 2 debilitating strokes, her dedication allowed him to live a full and happy life. His spectacular sense of humour, with his dry wit and love of one liners were legendary in the family and evidence of his zest for life.

Bill was a brilliant man, who was kind and generous to all. He’d be pleased to have you join us in celebrating his life with visitation at Oram’s Funeral Home, Eastport, on Tuesday, May 14, 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 15 at 11am at Holy Cross Anglican Church. Interment to follow. We invite you to share pictures or memories, as he loved to laugh and reminisce. We want to honour him and smile together during this time. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation to Holy Cross Church or Cemetary in Eastport be made in his honour.