Doctor Lee Clair Handy

Lee Handy passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022 at the age of 83 years.

Lee was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He spent his days prior to World War II and during, in Camp Howze, Texas with his younger brother Larry while his father was in the Army. He then grew up in Fort Dodge, Iowa with Larry, Linda, Lowell and Lora.  Lee had a penchant for locking horns with authority in school. He did tend to get into trouble (however he was usually in the right!). Lee completed Fort Dodge High School in 1957, his BS and MS at Iowa State, then on to his  Doctorate of  Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon in 1967.

He later moved his young family to Calgary to work at the University of Calgary (1967) Counseling Centre and to teach. His work later included his involvement with The Native Centre at the University of Calgary. Lee inspired numerous postdoctoral students throughout his career.

Lee and Jeannie’s family included; Kris, Keo and Kirk. Lee married Leslie in 1995 and expanded his family more with the addition of Leslie’s children Jessie and Cody. He loved all of his grandchildren and cherished his time with each of them.

Lee had many professional accolades including serving as department head of the Counseling Centre. He worked diligently for the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), The College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), Psychologists Association of Alberta (PAA), Canadian Counseling  and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) and various other Professional Organizations.  Lee was most proud of being recognized as an elder by the Indigenous Community and upon his retirement  receiving the Dr. Ralph Steinhauer Award recognizing and honoring his outstanding contributions made to the Native Centre. In 2008 he retired from the University and shortly after from his private counseling practice.

Lee spent his retirement traveling, adventuring and enjoying life with his loving wife Leslie and friends Frank and Lana. He was a dedicated volunteer at Heritage Park for the Railway Days and  for Gasoline Alley. Lee led a life that touched many people and he will be missed greatly by his family, friends and colleagues.

Lee is survived by his wife, Leslie Handy; children, Kris (Jill) Handy, Keo (Lenny) Hamelin, Kirk Handy, Jessie (Kelly) Gervais, and Cody (Chelsea) Wilson; grandchildren Victoria, Josh (Carolyn), Cassandra (Andy), Adrian, Natasha, Carter, Rylie, Nixon; great-grandchild, Vienna Jean; siblings, Larry (Karen) Lowell (Erica), and Lora (Kevin). Lee was predeceased by his parents, Ora and Doris Handy, and sister, Linda Moothart.

A Memorial Service will be held for Lee in the Temple B’nai Tikvah Sanctuary (900 47 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta) on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

For those who are unable to attend in person, you may join the live stream at the following link

https://venue.streamspot.com/0ccbc180

If desired, Memorial Donations may be made to Heritage Park

www.heritagepark.ca/donation-form

or

www.calgaryfoodbank.com/donate/