This website is in memory of Alan John Handyside, who died suddenly on 26 April 2011, just three weeks after his 69th birthday.
Alan was an exceptional person, with a powerful intellect, a wicked sense of humour and a very caring heart. He was dearly loved by family and friends and will be very sorely missed.
He knew people all over the world, from all walks of life, many of whom have personal stories they might like to relate here.
Alan loved his family, his dogs, his garden and his extensive collection of spare wardrobes.
His hospitality was legendary, as was his tenacity. He invariably did too many things at once and pushed himself beyond the limit. But as a result he succeeded where others failed, affecting the lives of many people in Africa through his work on anti-malaria bed nets, oral rehydration salts and AIDS prevention.
He relaxed by playing the church organ, read inexplicably bad newspapers and, when invited to Buckingham Palace to receive an export award, had the dubious honour of making a quip that left the Queen speechless.
His death leaves a huge hole in our lives.
If you would like to share your memories and photos of Alan or read what others have written, please feel free to use this site.
Thank you.
Donations in memory of Alan
We will be sending donations made in memory of Alan to Nikat, a charity helping poor women and sex workers in Ethiopia. Alan worked on several health protection projects in Ethiopia and other countries and Nikat was recommended by a former colleague of his in Addis Ababa.
A portion of the donations will also be given to St Mary's Church in Mellis, where Alan played the organ, and to the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.
If you would like more information about Nikat, please go to: http://www.redribbonaward.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=355:nikat-ethiopia&catid=56&Itemid=54&lang=en
Please send donations c/o the funeral director: Susan Whymark Funeral Services Ltd, The Old Stables, Chestnut Farm, Langton Green, Eye, Suffolk IP23 7HL
Thank you very much
