William 'Bill' Robert Higgins
Born In: Sydney Mines
Passed in: Christmas Island
Passed on: February 17th, 2015
Loved by many, respected by all; it is with profound sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of William Robert 'Bill' Higgins on Feb. 17, 2015.
Born in Sydney Mines, he was the only son of the late William R. and Ann T. (MacNeil) Higgins.
He was a member of Grandona Legion, Br. 124, Cape Breton Highlanders Assoc., Feis an Eilein, Canadian Heritage Seed Assoc., and St. Barra’s parish. He persevered as an advocate and community supporter for St. Barra’s Church. As an avid marksman-target shooter, he spent time with his three sons honing their skills. His pastimes included fishing, spending countless hours tending his potato gardens, woodlot, and manicured lawns. Two potato varieties he developed, O’Higgins Blue and O’Higgins Calico, are permanently registered at the Potato Research Centre in Fredericton, N.B.
He had a keen interest in genealogy of the Higgins family and founding families of Christmas Island parish. In earlier years, he was a member of Sydney Mines High Army Cadets which had an influence in shaping his future career; first, employed with CN as a police officer for two years and then beginning in January 1975, with Fisheries & Oceans as an offshore fisheries patrol officer.
In the 1980s, Bill was part of a delivery team, developing and implementing the National Armed Boarding Initiative and at the same time acting as a firearms and armed boarding instructor. In addition, he instructed DFO Officers and Ship’s crews in Regina, Halifax, and St. John’s on armed boarding practical training. Bill was also an MP5 machine gun instructor for the Scotia-Fundy and Newfoundland Regions in the 1980s. Bill transferred to Baddeck in October of 1997 until his retirement of 36 years in April 2011.
Bill is survived by his wife and soulmate of 41 years Marie (MacKenzie); sons, Colin (Angela), Brendan and Donald, all of Christmas Island; grandchildren, Glenn and Jocelyn Higgins, sisters, Anne Halliday, Bedford, Dr. Nancy Higgins, Fredericton, Mary (Gio) Venditti, Rockburn, Que.,Catherine Nathanson, Halifax, Theresa (Clifford) White, Millville, Judy Higgins, Truro, and nieces and nephews, Karissa and Connor Murphy, Jason and Kristi White, and numerous cousins including special first cousin Marianne MacDonald.
Bill was predeceased by twin daughters Amanda and Ellen, who died in infancy, and brother-in-law Brian Nathanson.
Visitation will take place on Monday, Feb. 23, from 2-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Paul Abbass officiating, both at St. Barra’s Church, Christmas Island. Burial in parish cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Care Comfort fund c/o C.B. Regional Hospital.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.
