The Cumbrian haulage company T. R. Handley Ltd lost a successful businessman, family man and larger than life character with a witty sense of humour with the death of Malcolm Handley, at the age of 81.
Malcolm was the oldest son of Tot and Madge Handley. He married Jennifer Bainbridge in 1967 at Soulby Church and they were happily married for 57 years.
Malcolm, along with his brothers Gordon and the late Donald, helped grow their father’s business — T. R. Handley Ltd, in Crosby Garrett — which was a huge part of Malcolm’s life.
They delivered coal for the local community, spread lime for farmers and helped build rural roads.
The business is this year celebrating its 95th anniversary.
Malcolm and Jennifer have one son, Graham, who followed in his father’s footsteps and is heavily involved in the haulage business, along with his wife Angela. Malcolm had two granddaughters, Bethany and Emilie.
In later life, Malcolm enjoyed purchasing and restoring vintage vehicles. He entered the vehicles into local shows and was part of the Morris Minor Club.
The large number who attended his funeral service at Eden Valley Crematorium on 10th May, showed how much respect the community and the surrounding district had for Malcolm.
The family said a special thank you to Walkers Funeral Directors and Donald Marston who conducted the service, and to all those who left a donation for Eden Valley Hospice and the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Donations for the charities totalled £2,046.56
