Bruce Alan Handley

Bruce Alan Handley, 88, passed away after a short illness on April 24, 2023, at UVM-CVPH, surrounded by family. He was born in Fitchburg, MA, on May 3, 1934, to Francis W. Handley and Thera (Brewer) Handley. He attended high school in Fitchburg and graduated early in order to join the Air Force in 1953 during the Korean Conflict. He never had to go to Korea because while he was in boot camp, the Armistice was signed. The Air Force then sent Bruce to Keesler Air Force base in Biloxi, MI, for a period of 1 year to study electronics and radar repair. After completing his studies the AF sent him to Iceland, where he spent 16 months at 2 different radar sites. Upon returning from Iceland the AF sent him to a radar site just outside Ocean City, NJ. This was his last AF duty station and he was honorably discharged in 1957.
At that point he went to work for General Electric, working in the Space Program and the Atlas ICBM until 1965. He then transferred to GE Medical Systems and in 1966 GE sent him to Plattsburgh, NY. There he installed and maintained x-ray, cardiac and CATscan equipment in most hospitals in the North Country. He retired in May, 1989, at age 55 after 33 years at GE. At that point he went to work for the local Orvis fly fishing shop where he worked until the shop went out of business.
During his life he had many interests. He was a lifelong fisherman, one of his proudest achievements being the founding President of the Lake Champlain Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
Bruce restored antique bamboo fishing rods for more than 50 years. He taught classes in fly tying and building fly rods. He enjoyed growing things, from fancy flowers to weeds, and he never met a dog he didn’t like.
He is predeceased by his father, mother and sister, and first wife Audrey (Edstrom). He is survived by 2 daughters, Laura Handley and Leanne Olson (Ashley), and his wife Carla List-Handley.
At Bruce’s request there will be no visitation or service. There will be a memorial in the future. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Elmore SPCA in Peru, NY.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 3 Park Row in Cadyville. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.