Project 1 – Dr. Ed Handford

Renfrew’s ‘Dr. Ed’ dies at 84

One of this town’s most prominent citizens, Dr. Edward Handford, affectionately known as Dr. Ed, died at the age of 54.

Handford opened his medical practice in 1933 and saw patients until four weeks ago, when he was hospitalized. He was best known for his compassion and sense of humour, says his sister Lillian Handford. “When you were sick you really had a friend in Dr. Ed. Someone to look after you, to come in the middle of the night if you needed him.” Dr. Handford was a plain, old-fashioned doctor who liked people, she said. “He always had time for you.”

When Handford began his practice in the horse-and-buggy era, he would often spend the night at area farmhouses, delivering babies. He would travel long distances to see patients any time of day or night.

“l cannot begin to describe his contribution to Renfrew,” says Russ Mackenzie, Renfrew Victoria Hospital’s administrator. Mackenzie said Handford was instrumental in getting provincial accreditation for Renfrew Victoria Hospital. “He had a great sincerity of interest and dedication not only to his patients but to the practice of medicine in general.” Mackenzie said the hospital and town will he looking for a way to commemorate Dr. Ed’s contribution to the community.

He is survived by his wife Pat, children Edward Jr., Robert, James and Eric, nine grandchildren, his sister Lillian and brother Dr. Hubert Handford.