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~ In Loving Memory of Jean and Paul Handy ~
NORMA JEAN (SORENSON) HANDY
June 8, 1930 ~ May 2, 2013
Norma Jean "Macum" Handy, 82, of Vancouver, WA, passed away on May 2, 2013. She was born in Minneapolis, MN to Al and Annie Sorenson, joining one brother and two sisters.
Jean graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1948, where she met and soon married Paul Handy in 1951.
Jean worked at Weight Watchers for many years.
Her hobbies included toll painting, rubber stamping, cooking, picking wild mushrooms, and raising toy poodles.
Just shortly after our Mother passed, our Father decided to join her.
PAUL WILLIAM HANDY
March 14, 1930 ~ May 19, 2013
Paul "Papa" Handy was born in Minneapolis, MN to Jack and Bernice Handy.
He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1947 where he met and married his wife Norma "Jean" Sorensen.
Paul served proudly with the USAF 66th Recon Technical Squadron and was stationed in Germany.
He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor's of Science degree in 1958.
Paul worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service as a Biologist, Hatchery Manager and Budget Finance Director for the next 30 years.
His many hobbies include hunting, fishing, Lepidoptera, raising gigantic pumpkins, ceramics, gardening, woodworking, fly tying and making wine.
Jean and Paul are survived by their four children, Mark, Steve, Patrick, and favorite daughter, Missy; along with 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
There will be a celebration of their lives held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Fri., May 24, 2013 at 12:30 p.m..
Please sign their guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I will miss Jean. She was always cheerful even thru all of her treatments. I did her hair for the last 13 years and will truly miss seeing her smile and upbeat outlook on life.
Jean Borton
June 14, 2013
To the Handy Family: We are so sorry for the loss of your Mom and Dad.
We moved into their neighborhood in 1971 and soon after met the "Handy Family" - our good fortune!!
What fond memories we have of your parent. They were always so friendly and so happy!
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. John and Kay Scharff
May 25, 2013
To the Handy Family--my heart is broken with the loss of Paul and Jean. I know they are in a better place, but that means I won't receive any more calls or e-mails that have always made me smile and blush a little. My husband, Dave Bruhn had a heart attack when we visited them and they were so loving and gentle with me as I intruded on their privicy and gave up their bedroom when Dave was released from the hospital, until we could make our way back to Idaho. I have always felt close since then.
Once again I was touched and supported by the Bodle's and the Handy's attendance for Dave's Celebration of Life in Idaho. Good, good, fun, fun people. My prayers are with you as you try to cope with the hole in your hearts. May God comfort you.
Sally Bruhn
May 24, 2013
I am so happy I got to know Mr&Mrs Handy. They are some of my earliest memories of life, later, they, especially Paul, became a fond memory of my son. Jean always had a smile and Paul a laugh. How happy I am I got to watch him putter around and enjoy his pumpkin patch. I hope they are happy again together. My love to the Handy family.
Amy Ruge
May 22, 2013
My deepest sympathy to you Missy and all your family. My memory from so long ago was having dinner with the Handy's and I had to eat my potatoes with the skin on for the first time. They were delicious!! Your parents were so kind and happy as I remember from way back in Jr. High. God bless you all. Good that you all are a close family.
Melinda (Soden) Lindner
May 22, 2013
Mark, Steve, Patrick and Missy,
I was so saddened to hear about your father's passing. We had received his e-mail about your mom's situation and pending passing. Our internet had been down for a few days so just found out about both of them passing so close to each other. I know that our fathers were very dear friends and I have great memories hunting with you guys as well as clamming on the Washington coast. I had the privilege of seeing your folks at my dad's service so many years ago. I singled your dad out and asked him to stand while I told the story. It was about a bottle of beer on the backside of Augsberger Mountain while deer hunting. I so regret not getting to see your dad prior to his passing, he was a truly great part of my growing up at the Willard National Fish Hatchery. He also shared stories of my mom's dad Bill Graveen who he had worked with at the Valley City National Hatchery when he first started with the Fish and Wildlife Services. Your dad was one of a kind and I really thought the world of him as did my dad! Their passing so close together speaks volumes about their love for each other. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family!
Monte Bruhn
Monte Bruhn
May 22, 2013
To our Handy family, We were so fortunate that Paul knocked on our door 45 years ago to find out if it was a good neighborhood to buy a house, and to ask if there were kids here. Our lives were so enriched to know Paul, Jean and family. My memory bank is overflowing with good times and love for them. There was always laughter from Jean and so much knowledge from Paul, he was my "Master Gardener". We love and will miss you very, very much...
Naoma and Chuck Weisner
May 22, 2013
Jean bowled with me at Hazel Dell Lanes back in the 70's. She ALWAYS had a smile and raised all our spirits, even when we were losing!! She remains a light in my memory and I am sure you will really miss her. Blessings to you all. Linda Harteloo
May 22, 2013
Steve, Mark, Pat and Missy,
My families deepest sympothies go to you and all your family. As a long time nieghbor I got to know Jean and Paul very well and they were exemplary people, leaving behind a legacy of happiness to everyone they came accross. They will truly be missed, but their legacy will live on forever. I am blessed to have been a part of their legacy. Thank you Jean and Paul.
John, Tricia, Josh and Erica
John Cook
May 22, 2013
Both will be missed by our family! Jean was my Mom's best friend for 40+ years, Paul a friend of my Dad. their passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts.
Kevin Weisner
May 22, 2013
BUNCO!!! How many times I heard you yell that word & laugh...what fun we all had for so many years. We have missed you at Bunco & the Bunco Bus was missing the stop at the front of your house every month. You & Paul had a wonderful life and a great love for each other. When Paul would walk into the room your face would light up & a big smile would spread across your face so adoringly. Paul was the same way about you...a great love story for sure. Help grandma throw those "3's" now that you are together again, get the table set & the dice out....roll on Jean!!
Dorothy Cooper
May 21, 2013
We had many fun times with Jean and Paul. They were very special people. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family. Steve and Darlene
Steve Leek
May 21, 2013
Missy, Mark, Steve, Patrick and families,
I am so sorry and sad for the loss of your Mom and Dad. I had the pleasure of working with your Mom at Weight Watchers for 25 years. I have nothing but wonderful memories of her and some very fond memories of your Dad. May your families find God's peace in this very difficult time.
Love and Prayers to all of you,
Renee Amies
May 21, 2013
Oh, gosh. Jayne Salisbury let me know of your loss. It sounds like Norma and Paul had a wonderful life together. May your happy memories warm your heart as you think of them both.
Leslie Salisbury Demich
May 21, 2013
I tried to post earlier but I'm not sure what happened - I was sorry to read in the Minneapolis paper about the passing of Jean and Paul. Jean's mother, Annie was my grandma's sister and having never had the opportunity to meet my grandma - there was Aunt Annie! I loved listening to her talk and how she would say Nicoline or Jeannie and Mary Lou. May Jean and Paul rest in peace and please know the entire Handy family is in my thoughts.
Glen Olson
May 21, 2013
I was very saddened to read in the Minneapolis paper of the passing of Jean and Paul. Jean's mother, Annie was my grandma's sister and never knowing my grandmother, I latched on to Aunt Annie. I can still hear her say Jeannie and Mary Lou; may Paul and Jean rest in peace with all the other Danes of the family
Glen Olson
May 21, 2013
So sorry to hear about Jean's passing . Then to hear about Paul's too . My heart and prayers, Are with you andyour familes during this time of gref.
Terri Baldwin -Fry
May 21, 2013
I have many wonderful memories of Jean. We had so much fun working together. She and Paul took such good care of each other. A REAL LOVE STORY.I wish you peace to bring comfort,and courage to face the days ahead. I know you have loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Barbara Weeks
May 21, 2013
So Sorry to hear the sad news of Jean and Paul. I worked with Jean for several years and will miss her. She was always a bright spot at our Christmas lunches. Thank you Missy for bringing her.
Linda White
May 21, 2013
As terribly sad as this is, they are together again. I'm sure if my mom had gone before my dad, he would have followed soon. I wish you peace, knowing they are together again.
Theresa
May 21, 2013
Missy, Mark, Steven, and family. Peg Brandt called me to let me know about the passing of your parents. I am so sorry and hope you will find peace and strength in knowing how many people loved your parents. Me, among them. May God bless you and I will keep you in my prayers. Much love to all of you.
Judy Woodall Turner
Judy Woodall - Turner
May 21, 2013
To the Handy family, from a long time neighbor and friend. Along with the grief of losing both so soon, I also hope you celebrate their wonderful life together!! they were special parents. i remember the butterflies and of course the pumpkins out in our backyard!. Lots of good memories of our families together also.
with caring thoughts, Brenda Cook (Jurich)
May 21, 2013
No words can express ones thoughts at this time of sorrow. We know that you have your angels watching over their family at this time. May the grace of god be with the Handy family, now & forever. Love you all.
Lourdes (Noonie) Castro
May 21, 2013
My heart aches for the entire Handy Family but I also smile as I remember Papa's distinctive laugh and Macum's genuine smile. A ture tale of everlasting love and true soul mate's.
~Cristina Castro-Martinez
May 21, 2013
PAUL WAS A GREAT INFLUENCE ON MY CAREER WITH THE FISH & WILDLIFE SERVCE. I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF OUR TIMES TOGETHER.
ED LA MOTTE
May 21, 2013
To the Handy Family,
I was sorry to learn of Paul's passing. Many decades ago I worked with Paul at US Fish & Wildlife Service. I loved his laugh! And I most admired how much he LOVED his wife.
I hope all of you find strength during this time through the love and support of many friends and family.
Mary (Spence) Anderson
May 21, 2013
Uncle Paul and Aunt Jean will be deeply missed but remembered with every chanterelles picked, the aroma of a rose enjoyed, each Handy joke told, each glass of wine sipped amidst friends and family and more. And we all know the heavenly party is full of joyous reunion. With love from one of their adoring nieces.... Cousins we love you
Dave and Cheryl Goode
May 21, 2013
Jean and Paul were our closest friends while serving in the USAF in Germany. I have wonderful memories of them.
Pat Dobbyn
May 21, 2013
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