Albert Edward Hand

Albert Edward Hand was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on January 5, 1934. He was a tall drink of water as a young man and caught the eye of a sassy lady from the other side of the tracks. They were sponsored by Eileen (McLaughlin) Boyd and husband Eddie who had made the journey across the pond before them. They landed in Canada with $8.67, worked hard and long hours and made a lifetime of happy, joyous memories for their five children, born 6 years apart in total! Every spring Anna and Albert emerged from their home at Roselawn and Duplex with another bundle of joy.

From a career in manufacturing with Massey Ferguson and Ford to side ventures in a tavern, a golf course, a photo store, a hotel and real estate, Albert had a wonderful smile with a big gap and a twinkle in his baby blue eyes for all. He never met a stranger, was always welcoming and ready to pour whatever your pleasure.

Albert (Pa) adored Anna (Wiz), his wife of 59 years….loved arguing black was white, singing, laughing and dancing with her. He loved planning the next meal before he finished the one he was savoring. “Absolutely gorgeous” was uttered usually in reference to a meal and “I’m wonderful” to the question of “How are you?” He loved thoroughbred horse racing, a meal shared with family and friends and a Guiness every now and then for good measure. He was a wickedly intuitive cribbage player who would correct your 22 count hand in the blink of an eye. He loved playing golf, watching golf, and talking about golf with his kindred spirit and grandson, Brian. A picture of Pa would not be complete without a wee tune, a big grin, wee slits for eyes and a deep hearty laugh.

He is survived by his wife and ballroom dance partner for life, Anna (Wiz) (McLaughlin) Hand; daughter Sheila Furlong and her husband Mark and children, Brian, John and Alanna; daughter Michele (Hand) Stevens and her husband John and son Michael; daughter Tina Hand; son John Hand and his wife Wanda and children Katrina, Alysha, Connor and Stephen; son Jim Hand and wife Elaine and children Kennedy and Molly; and niece Marie (Mallon) Jensen and her daughter, Stephanie; and niece Patricia (Mallon) Dragon and her family.

Albert was preceded in death by his brothers James and Artie. Alice Hand, widow of Artie and their children and grandchildren reside in Belfast as do many of Albert and Anna’s nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Dr. Albert and the nursing staff on 3 West at North York General for taking care of our husband, Dad, Pa, and Uncle for his last months and days with us.

A private celebration of life and blessing will be held.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The Salvation Army.