It is with heavy hearts that the family of Laird Peter Higgison announce his passing on Monday March 19th, 2018. He passed away at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Pembroke, ON on September 30th, 1950 and was a son to the late James and Audrey (Potvin) Higgison.
Laird graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a degree in a Bachelor of Science and Forest Engineer. His management career with Proctor and Gamble spanned 27 years across Canada. He was instrumental in the major expansion of the Belleville, ON plant.
Laird loved the bush. Many of his days were spent hunting, fishing, cutting wood and enjoying his camps. In later years he developed a passion for carving and woodworking. Whatever Laird was involved in, whether work or play, he was a leader and mentor for those who shared his loves and interests.
Above all else, Laird loved his family and was so proud of his boys and the men they have become. He lovingly, and proudly, held the title Papa Bear which was given to him by his grandchildren who shared his love of fishing, swimming, playing cards, picking berries and secret handshakes.
He will be forever missed by his wife Bonni; his sons Samm (Megan) of Vancouver, BC and Willi (Melissa) of Fredericton, NB and his beloved grandchildren Liam, Jude, Emery, and Finnley Higgison. He will also be missed by his siblings Doreen Whitnall of Rutherglenn, ON, Dennis (Gwen; former spouse Jane) Higgison of Pembroke, ON, and Wayne (Marilyn) Higgison of Golden Lake, Ont, as well as his mother in law Merle MacDougall and sisters and brothers in law Duane and Kathy MacDougall, Mark and Janice MacDougall, Gary and Caroline MacDougall, Beth and Paul Vreugdenhil, and Reverend Doctor Margo MacDougall, along with many nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, Laird was predeceased by his sister Renee Graham and brother in laws Kevin Graham of Pembroke, ON and Fred Whitnall of Rutherglenn, ON.
The family wish to express their deepest appreciation to Sam McInnis and all the doctors, nurses and staff in the Intensive Care Unit at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton. Your exceptional care and compassion for Laird, and our family, will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life will be held in the Community Room at The Ville at 241 Canada St, Fredericton NB on Saturday March 24th, 2018 at 12:00pm. A memorial event will take place in Ontario in the summer. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial tributes in Laird’s honor may be made to the Atlantic Salmon Federation or the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Bishop’s Funeral Home 540 Woodstock Road Fredericton has been entrusted with the arrangements. Sharing of memories and online condolences may be expressed at www.bishopsfuneralhome.com