John Douglas Handley

John D. Handley
1942 - 2012
John Douglas Handley, age 69, died at home March 6, 2012 of an apparent heart attack. He had suffered from diabetes in recent years, and from schizophrenia throughout his adult life.
John was born November 21, 1942 in New York City, to G. Kenneth and Ethel L. Handley, the third of their five children. The family lived in Manhasset, Long Island until moving to Salt Lake City in 1957. After graduating from East High School in 1960 John attended Menlo Junior College in California until the onset of schizophrenia during his freshman year. Until then he had been a handsome and fun-loving youth who enjoyed sports, loved dogs and horses, played the piano and French horn, and had many friends. He was a wonderful son and brother.
In later years John was able to hold several jobs, including working summers at the Bennion Boys Ranch, as an orderly at the University Hospital, and for many years as a custodian with Valley Services, Inc. which honored him for his perfect work record. In all things he was honest and upright. He found solace in the outdoors, in horseback rides, in visits to the family cabin on the Provo River, and in his "glorious" Mormon Tabernacle Choir whose broadcasts he watched every week.
In 1979 John married Sharon Bergener. They were later divorced, but they remained on good terms and their son Douglas, his wife Jill, and grandsons Japheth and Xander were a source of comfort and pride. Other survivors include his siblings Kenneth of Salt Lake City, Stephen of Grantham, NH, Helen (Houghton) of North Salem, NY, and Richard of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; their spouses; and many nieces and nephews.
Our sincere appreciation to the many caregivers, friends, and acquaintances who aided John in countless ways over the past half century. Not least, thanks to Lowell Bennion who many years ago took the trouble not only to hire John at his Boys Ranch but also to include him in a family trip to Europe.
A private burial is planned. Condolences may be sent to www.larkinmortuary.com