Brian Handford

Suddenly on Friday, November 30th, 2018 Brian Boyd Handford passed away at the age of 69 years in Moose Jaw, SK.

Predeceased by his parents, Boyd and Ella Handford, Karen Handford, Garry Lafreniere, and beloved dog Ruger, Brian will forever be in the hearts of Lisa Tipper (Richard and William) and Trevor Handford; sister, Barb Lafreniere; nephews: Tim Lafreniere, Ryan Lytle (Lisa), and Dwayne Lafreniere; and nieces, Kimberley (Dave Tkachuk) and Tara (Jordan) Ellison.  His grandsons Richard and William Tipper will fondly remember Brian as “Gumball”.

Born in Portage la Prairie, MB on June 29th, 1949, Brian sourced his way through his secondary education in Winnipeg, MB by working at MDC.  Upon returning, Brian found Karen Lytle, they married and along came Lisa and Trevor. Seeing a chance to be a part of Lisa and Trevor’s lives, Brian sat for many years as trustee and Chairperson of the school board in Portage la Prairie and volunteered countless hours as a hockey coach for Trevor’s teams.  Brian took delight in the successes of his children and grandchildren. Known to the Portage kids as “B Brian Handford”, this label quickly changed to “Gumball” as a result of grandson William’s young tongue!! Through Brian’s relationship with Lisa, Richard and William he became very fond of a dog named Ruger!!  Brian was a lover of animals, with a soft spot for the neighbourhood dogs. He could always be found handing out a milk bone on his walks around the neighbourhood in Portage. Brian’s family wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to Ben Steinhauer of Moose Jaw Housing Authority, Shelly Nikolic of the coroner’s office, Blair Torgunrud of the Moose Jaw Police Service, and the many friends and family who have been so supportive through a difficult time.  Brian was a gentle soul and a quiet person and will be deeply missed.

There will be a private family burial at Hillside Cemetery. The family invites you to join them for a time of fellowship and refreshments at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel Trimble Room on Saturday, July 6, 2019 beginning at noon.

As he loved animals so much, in lieu of flowers, donations in Brian’s name may be made to Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), 121 12th St. NE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 4A2.