John Robert Higgin

John (Jack) Robert Higgin

Jack was born in Comox, BC, February 20, 1942.  He passed away peacefully at home in Campbell River, BC, June 16, 2019, at 77 years of age, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Family and his beloved dog were by his side.  Jack is predeceased by his parents, John Edmund Higgin and Violet Higgin (McGargle); brother Ron Higgin; and sister Marie Gwozd.  He is survived by his daughter Leslie Hindle (Woodbeck) from first marriage to Mary Woodbeck (Hindle); daughter Michelle Stewart (Shane) son John Higgin (Michelle) from second marriage to Ravyn Dunlop (Dingwall), predeceased; nephews Dale (Lisa) Gwozd and Rick (Angela) Gwozd; and grandchildren Dustin, Randi, Quinn, Chloe, Abigail and Sophia.  Jack will also be greatly missed by his dog Bella.

Jack grew up in Royston and Cumberland.  He loved to tell stories of walking across the Comox Bay when it was frozen, and fishing at the beach in Royston.  Jack left school early to work commercial fishing with his father, then changed employment and worked in many logging camps along the BC coast.  Jack Jack moved to Campbell River where he eventually ended up at the Elk Falls pulp and paper mill, where he remained for almost 35 years.  His passion was always fighting for the rights of workers, and was deeply involved with his union.  Near the end of his career he worked for the Safety committee, fighting for the right of all workers to come home every day uninjured on the job.  After retirement Jack moved back to the Comox Valley, where he was active almost daily with Alcoholics Anonymous.  He was sober for close to 50 years, and was continuously working and re-working his 12 steps.  He was a solid supporter of others working towards the same goal of sobriety, and was a great friend to many.  Near the end of his life he moved back to Campbell River to be with his family.  This time allowed him to reconnect with his AA community in Campbell River and long time friend Al – though he drove to the Valley almost daily to remain connected with his community.

The waters and forests of Vancouver Island and the coast of the mainland were where Jack enjoyed spending his time.  Many summers were enjoyed at Rock Bay, Bear Bay, Sointula, Upper Campbell Lake, and Loveland Bay, to name a few.  Many summers were spent camping and fishing with his family in these places.

 Jack was well known for his sayings ‘It is what it is’ and ‘life on life’s terms’.  Gratitude was forefront in his mind, and he was grateful for all the friends and family he connected with in his lifetime.  He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to say a huge thank you to Dr Prinsloo, Dr Veerapen, all the Home and Community Care Nurses, LPNs, and Care Aides, and the Red Cross, for making it possible for Jack to remain home at the end of his life.  Our gratitude is immense and unmeasurable.  

A celebration of life is planned August 10th, 2-4 pm, at Saint John the Divine Anglican Church in Courtenay, BC.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to the People’s Voice, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver BC, V5L 3J1, or the Alano Club of Campbell River or Courtenay, would be appreciated.