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
My sincere condolences to you Margie and Bruce and all your family. My thoughts and prayers have been with you all since I heard the news about Mark’s sudden passing. May he forever Rest In Peace.
Ian and Jess: Our deepest sympathy to your whole family. Our family is holding you all in love and prayers during this tremendous time of grief. Coleen, Jack and Family
I was so very shocked to hear of Mark’s passing. Please know my heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to all of you. I wish you all strength at this devastating time.
Deepest condolences. So many great memories with Mark from our hockey pools sports and many more. Such an amazing person. RIP Mark
Elise and I want to express our sincerest condolences for your loss. A wonderful life lived; gone much too soon… Please know that all of you; Mark’s loved ones, family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time and the days ahead. Hoping that you find comfort and solace in knowing he is dearly loved, respected and adored by so many. He will never be forgotten…
David and Elise Boudreau
My deepest condolences to the Higgins family. I knew Mark when we were young, and he was a bright, kind and funny young man. As an adult, I was so glad to see what a good man he had become. He will always live in my heart and those he touched.
I’ll miss lacing up the skates with you, and all of your quick-witted commentary. Prayers and Love. Peace be with you.
My deepest respect and condolences to the Higgins Family and all who loved Mark. An incredible energy, vision, impact and life lived and never forgotten!
Jerome L. Downey
Dear Family,
My heartfelt condolences for the death of Mark. It is an unimaginable loss. Hoping you find comfort in the memories you shared with him. Although I did not know him well, I knew him to be kind and sincere. A bright light.
Warmly,
Alison MacKay-Lyons
Our deepest condolences. A life well lived and tragically cut way too short.
A wonderful man whose smile, sense of adventure, and humility impressed everyone around him. May he rest in peace.