Hatch handle dis-assembly help please

[4oldcars]

I'm trying to dis-assemble my hatch handle so I can install a new one and can't get it apart. I have the instructions by LockDoc from last January, but he starts out with the arms piece and spring already removed and that is where I'm stuck. I cannot get the spring and arms piece off the handle shaft. I tapped on it. I tried a puller. It appears to have a "c" clip (retainer), but it ("c" clip) won't move and looks to be part of the rest of it that holds the spring. Does anyone know how to go about this? It must be something simple because it will not go thru the hole in the hatch with this piece on the handle shaft.