HIGGINS, DR. LEONARD MICHAEL
Surrounded by his loving family, Len passed away peacfully on Tuesday, June 9th, 2015.
He is survived by sons Sean (Deborah), Mark(Laurie) and Kevin, daughters Kerry (Rick), Anna-Lise (Brant), 12 grandchildren, Adam, Brittany, Samm, Geoffrey, Brad, Matthew, Kate, Christopher, Sean, Alex, Michael and Cara, many cherished nieces and nephews, one brother Bob, two sisters-in-law, Sheila and Virginia, two brothers-in-law, Peter and David McLewin and a number of very dear friends.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend, Gail, sons, Geoffrey and Christopher, brothers Tom and Don, sisters-in-law Rosemary and Dorothy and niece, Caroline.
Len was the son of John J. and Helen (McGuire) Higgins and was raised by his father and his beloved Eileen Elliott. He treasured his time and teachers through St Vincent's School in classroom and sports and his time at St. Francis Xavier University, especially playing with the Varsity Hockey team coached by Father Andy Hogan.
He embarked on a career in Medicine at McGill University that culminated in his specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology before returning to Saint John to open his practice. He enjoyed a 40 year plus career in his specialty along with his academic administrative role with Dalhousie University. He participated in the development of the Department of Geriatric Medicine prior to his retirement. He forever treasured the friendships he made with his patients, the staff and his colleagues.
Len always said his most enjoyable accomplishment was the completion of a NBCC Winter Program on Small House Construction and Plumbing. This enabled him to work away on his never ending list of projects at his favorite place in the world, the family camp at Long Reach on the Kingston Peninsula. He was an avid fisherman and was passionate about all Boston sports, although he could tell you the Jays and Yankees stats and lineups on any given day. He was equally passionate about politics and loved leading family debates and discussions from his favorite chair in the camp screen house. Len had a hilarious sense of humor and was great believer in the power of a laugh in both good times and bad.
We would like to thank Dr. Brian Craig, Dr Jim Mowatt, all the staff at the Regional Hospital, the Extramural team and the exceptional team at Bobby's Hospice for their care, compassion and support.
In lieu of donations, please do something nice for someone who needs a hand and those who are able to sign their organ donation cards or register at www.cantransplant.ca
Following cremation visitation will be held on Friday, June 12, 2015 from 1pm to 5pm at Fitzpatrick’s Funeral Home 100 Waterloo Street (634-1965). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 10:00am from St. Pius X Catholic Church followed by a private family interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. www.fitzpatrickfh.com