Heighton, Earl William – age 78 of River John, passed away October 4, 2017 in Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in River John, he was the son of the late Percy E. and Charlotte P. (Langille) Heighton. Earl was a fisherman all of his life but also liked operating his saw mill and being the community machinist. He was always active whether he was attending his fruit trees, smoking fish or gardening often giving much of it away. Earl is survived by his son, Sterling (Christine), River John; grandchildren, Patrick, Kaitlyn and Elizabeth; brothers, Charlie (Lee) and Ernest (Doris), both of River John; sisters, Irene (Eddie) Grant, Caribou; Doris (Ken) MacMillan, Pictou; nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, the former Gladys E. Bain. A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2017 in Hamilton Cemetery, River John, Rev. Nicole Uzans officiating. A time to gather and celebrate Earl’s life will follow the service until 3 p.m. in St. John the Baptist Anglican Church Hall in River John. Memorial donations to the Pictou County 4H Building Fund to support the new 4H barn at the Pictou Exhibition Grounds would be appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to Coulter’s Funeral Home (902-657-3288) Tatamagouche. Online condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.mmcfunerals.com