Kenneth Patrick Higgins

Ken was the loved husband of Carol Ann Komarnitsky and devoted and very proud father of Patrick and Brendan. His daughters-in-law, Sarah and Shannon held a special place in his heart. His beloved grandchildren, Lauren, Curtis, Lucas and James will miss their silly G-dad. Ken loved every moment they spent in Guelph whether in the backyard sandbox, swimming pool, or in the bouncy castle downstairs or sledding on the hill created by the snowplough on the Court. He greeted their arrival with the biggest smile always asking, “who’s that ringing my doorbell” which of course meant they would ring it again. Ken’s only sibling, Larry Lacey (Lyn) is also left to mourn his passing. He was predeceased by his parents Michael Higgins (1955) and Patricia Griffin Higgins Lacey (2001). His father, Lawrence Lacey Sr. passed earlier this year, a loss which Ken felt deeply. Carol Ann’s siblings - Joan (Jim), Kathy (Ross), George (Cathy), Peter (late Mary) and Anita (Kevin) will feel his loss in their own way. Ken’s in-laws, Vladimir and Janet Komarnitsky were very fond of Ken as was Carol Ann’s eldest sister Heather and her husband Gary who both predeceased him. His cousins and his nieces and nephews will all miss him, especially his cousin Lynne who played an important role as a ‘surrogate’ big sister when Ken’s birth dad died suddenly when he was just a baby.

Ken was born in the Rosemount area of Montreal and attended Loyola College (later named Concordia University). After his undergraduate degree, he began a master’s program at McGill University in Middle Eastern politics but soon decided to pursue an education degree at Queen’s University. This was a decision that ultimately shaped his future. Ken played many years as quarterback for the city of Laval and then later at Loyola College. He loved to share that he was invited to attend the Montreal Alouettes evaluation training camp. His love of sports followed him into fatherhood as he coached Patrick and Brendan in baseball and basketball at a competitive level. He was very knowledgeable about both games and coached in a calm, quiet, and respectful way.

As a lifelong educator, Ken was a dedicated special education teacher. He took pride in helping students with the greatest need achieve their very best potential. Every single child that came to him for help really did get the best of him. Most of Ken’s teaching was at Willow Road Public School and earlier at College Avenue Public School. He was a committed and caring educator supported by other dedicated colleagues who loved playing jokes at school with each other and especially loved “Secret Santa” time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph. At Ken’s request there will be no visitation or funeral with a private interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ken’s honour to a charity of your choice would be gratefully appreciated. Grief has no friend but memory.