Ross Higgins

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Ross Higgins who was indeed a born leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Ross was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Ross knew him as a well-respected man who was a caring, stable force in his community.

      Ross was born on November 9, 1930 at home with a mid-wife in Bell Island, Newfoundland. His parents were Ernest and Gladys Higgins. Ross was raised in Bell Island then moved to Ontario later in life. Even as a youngster, Ross learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Ross was able to put his natural abilities to work. Always, helping to make sure that the others in the family did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Ross was raised with 9 siblings. Albert (deceased), Garfield (deceased), Peggy (deceased), Olive (deceased), Evelyn, Jack (deceased), Ches (deceased), Don, and Clyde. Ross had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Ross, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Ross' matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Ross enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Ross took part in hockey and swimming. He was also a member of the Church Lads Brigade in Newfoundland. In his spare time he liked to skip school and jump from ice pan to ice pan and he also like to read comic books for fun.

      Ross was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Ross was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Ross came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his friends were Gordon Sheppard, Gerald Sheppard, Granville Hunt, Wally Neil, Ralph Spencer, Albert Ash, Bill Reid, Ruby Robbins, Berdy Neil and many more. Later in life, he became friends with Dougie Sullivan, Doug Pollock, Pat & Frannie and Cliff Wright.

     Ross was originally married to Lorna Talbot they had five children and then eventually divorced. Ross re-married Colleen MacKenzie (nee Robinson) in 1988, who sadly passed away two years into their marriage. Later, Ross found a special friend, Glenna Whitmore and they enjoyed the last decade together.

      Ross was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Ross would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Ross was blessed with 5 children, Janet (deceased), Margaret, Rossanne, Ted and Sharon. They were also blessed with 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, grandchildren: Brandon, Tanya, Vanessa, Adam, Ryan, Matthew, Jason, Talbot, Josh, Alysa, Amy, Kyle and Kristin and great-grandchildren: Dylan, Maiah, Izaak, Brooklyn and Brielle.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Ross was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Ross was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Ross upheld his standards. His primary occupation was a Heavy Equipment Operator for the City of Toronto. He was employed for 30 by the City of Toronto. Ross was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Ross approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were woodworking, gardening, making bird-houses, refinishing furniture, playing snooker, cards, euchre, cribbage and darts. Ross was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Ross to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included swimming and working-out at Variety Village gym. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey and Toronto Blue Jays Baseball.

      Being generous with his time and energy, Ross liked to belong to a group. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Ross was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1/42.

      Faith was important to Ross. He held high moral standards and for that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of the Anglican Church.

      As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Ross could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wans’t a motivating force for Ross; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included a 10 years - Safe Driving Award from the City of Toronto.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Ross used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Ross had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included St. Lucia, Mexico, Newfoundland, the his beloved cottage in Muskoka at Stewart Lake.

      Ross was a lover of animals and cherished his grand-puppies. Ross’s favorites were 2 grand-puppies Jackie and Lacey the Jack Russels and the great-grand-puppy Buddy the Golden Retriever.

      When Ross’s retirement finally arrived in 1994, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in travelling more, spending months at the cottage, spending time with his grandchildren, working-out at the gym and enjoying time at the Legion. In many ways, Ross loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Ross passed away on January 27, 2011 at Toronto East General Hospital Palliative Care Unit. Ross fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his two siblings, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and his very special friend Glenna. Services were held at Giffen-Mack Danforth Funeral Home Chapel.

      All who knew him would agree that Ross was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Ross Higgins did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

* * * * * * * * * *

Ross Higgins

Sunrise

November 9, 1930

Sunset

January 27, 2011

At the Toronto East General Hospital Palliative Care Unit on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at age 80. Loving father of Margaret Kendall (Rick), Rossanne Higgins, Ted Higgins (Laura), Sharon (Mark Hodgson) and the late Janet Parlette. Dear grandpa of Ryan, Matthew, Jason, Talbot, Josh, Alyssa, Amy, Kyle, Kristin, Brandon, Tanya, Vanessa, Adam and great-grandpa of Brooklyn , Brielle, Dylan, Maiah & Izaak. Brother of Evelyn Bennett (the late John) & Don Higgins (Janet). Also remembered by his nieces, nephews and special friend Glenna Whitmore. Visitation on Monday from 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 p.m. at the GIFFEN-MACK “DANFORTH” FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE 2570 Danforth Ave. (at Main Subway station) 416-698-3121. Service in the chapel on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. followed by cremation. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Toronto East General Hospital Palliative Care Unit in appreciation for the special care given to their father.. Condolences may be made at www.giffenmackdanforth.com

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered, "Come to me". With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Gordon Ross Higgins

Rest in Peace