Mark died August 13, 2022 from a hiking accident in British Columbia, at the age of 35. Mark, his partner Paola and their dog Ollie had recently moved to BC where Paola had accepted a position at the University of Victoria.
Mark was educated in Halifax at Oxford and St. Patrick’s. After high school, he travelled to Uruguay and Sooke, BC with Canada World Youth. He then obtained his B.Sc. in Geological and Earth Sciences at Dalhousie, and M.Sc. in Geology at University of Toronto.
Mark’s life was an adventure. As a geologist, his work and studies took him throughout Canada and overseas, including Northern Ontario, Nunavut, the Yukon and Turkey. His travels included far-flung places all across Canada, and Central and South America. With Ollie, he explored many lakes, beaches and mountains from NS to BC, as well as Ecuador, with their favourite walk being Long Lake in Halifax. He had many memorable vacations with family to Keji and Milford House, as well as Bowron Lakes BC, Algonquin Park and Peru. Mark met many friends through sports, particularly soccer and basketball.
Mark is survived by his partner Paola Beneras, parents Margie and Bruce Higgins, brothers Ian (Jess) and Ross (Hilary), sister Jenna (Glen Nicholson), nephew Henrik and baby niece Flora, of Halifax; Paola’s family in Ecuador; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Mark’s life , for sharing memories and stories, will be held at the St. Mary’s Boat Club, in Halifax, NS on September 25th from 1-5 PM.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
38 Responses
A friend brought Mark up recently, and I realized I hadn’t thought about him in a long time. But the moment they mentioned his name, I pictured him exactly as he was the last time I saw him, circa 2017.
At Dalhousie, we used to joke and call him “old man” because he was a little older than the rest of us. The timing feels surreal now. I’m 35—the same age Mark was when he passed—and I’ve just come through my own battle with cancer. Life is funny, and sometimes painfully strange, that way.
Mark was a special human. He liked to be a lone wolf, but he was deeply caring toward his friends and the people he loved. He carried a warmth with him wherever he went. He could walk into a room, flash that humble smile of his, and somehow light the whole place up.
His loss was tragic, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had the pleasure of knowing him. For a brief moment in time, we had a really special group of people, and I’ll always be grateful that Mark was part of it. Rest in peace old man.
Bruce, Margie and family – So sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. We are thinking of you.
Clary & Debbie Kempton
I remember Mark very well from his time at Dalhousie. He was such a warm and thoughtful person, and it was always a pleasure to spend time and conversation with him. His passing is a great loss, and all the family are much in my thoughts through this difficult time.
Martin Gibling
My deepest condolences to the Higgins family. Mark was one of a kind, he will be missed dearly.
Rest easy big guy.
Kyle
Sending my deepest sympathy and love to Paola, and to the Beneras and Higgins families.
My sincere condolences to the entire Higgins family. I will never forget Mark’s kind nature, sense of humour and ability to tell a great story. We shared many great memories and laughs since our time meeting on the UKC soccer team.
Rest In Peace, Mark
Oh Margie this is just heartbreaking. I am so sorry. I am remembering simpler times when all the kids were little. You always were the best mother. Such a tragedy. Condolences to you all.
To Margie, Bruce and Family: there are no words that can bring comfort at this time of profound loss. Please know that we are thinking of you all. Mark was always so kind to all of “Margie’s kids” including Hannah and CJ. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.