Obituary The passing of Ian Handy

Ian Handy is pictured at right (centre standing) in 2009 with former Bourke Warriors Red Kelly and Eric Robinson and Stan & Margaret Douglas (seated). The photo at left shows Ian Handy in his Bourke Warriors Rugby League guernsey in 1963 – photo thanks to John Maroulis PHOTO SUPPLIED

Bourke residents were saddened to hear of the loss of former Bourke resident Ian Handy, who passed away on Friday night.

Ian Handy was a sporting legend of Bourke, who played in several grand finals for the Bourke Warriors Rugby League Football Club in the 1960’s and early1970’s.

He was an exceptional fullback and was famous in the western area as a player who gave a detailed verbal commentary on the game as he played.

Affectionately known as “Kisser”, Ian Handy was also a skilful boxer, and excelled in cricket, running and tennis.

Ian Charles Handy was born at Bourke on 27th August 1939 and raised in Bourke by his mother Florence Ethel Handy.

He was schooled in Bourke and worked at Bourke’s Tancred’s Abattoirs until a closure of the meatworks in 1974.

In that year Ian and his wife Tina (nee Knight) and their children were relocated to Newcastle under an Aboriginal Resettlement Scheme.

At Newcastle Ian Handy took a job at the Abattoirs at Mayfield West where he worked until his retirement 15 years ago.

He and his wife Tina set up home in Sunnyside Street, Mayfield and raised their three daughters – Michele, Patricia and Lynn, and three adopted sons – Craig, Shane and Mitchell.

His life is a remarkable story of achievement in the face of hardship. Ian Handy is a man who was loved and admired by all who met him.

Ian passed away on Friday night at the Mayfield Aged Care facility at Newcastle. His wife Tina predeceased Ian in 1989.

Ian Handy is survived by his three daughters – Michele, Patricia and Lynn, his sons, Craig, Shane and Mitchell, and his 6 grandchildren. He was 79 years. Vale Ian Handy.

A funeral service for the late Ian Handy will be held at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Church Street, Mayfield next Monday 1st July from 10.30am.