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
Dear Margie, Bruce and Family — Please accept our deepest and most sincere condolences. News of Mark’s death is utterly heartbreaking. He was such an adventurer, who loved life and the beauty of nature. A walk in the woods, a paddle, sitting around a campfire telling stories — these are the memories to treasure. Your family has been an inspiration to many and in return, many are there for you to lean on as needed. Much love ~ Joy, John, Jack and Skye
Sheila, Brian and Stephen Dixon
Our sincere condolences to the Higgins Family…such a tragic loss of one so young.
May the many good family memories you have made, help you find comfort in your grieving process…..
Sheila, Brian and Stephen
Margie and Bruce and family – I was so sad to hear of Mark’s tragic accident. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Dear Margie,Bruce and family,
So sorry to learn of Mark’s passing.Our thoughts are with you.Take care .Heather&George Kennedy
To the Higgins family, we would like to send our heart felt condolences to your family during this difficult time. We were blessed to have met Mark at Ian and Jessica’s wedding. Life isn’t always fair so cherish your wonderful memories of Mark!
So very sorry for this terrible loss. Please accept our sincere sympathies.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Higgins family. Great family that I admire and am glad to know. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Mark was someone I looked up to during our time together on the UKC Soccer Team. He had a unique grace with which he tackled the challenges we all faced as student-athletes and was a truly wonderful storyteller. We shared meaningful memories and hearty laughter.
My deepest condolences go to his family.
To the Higgins family, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mark! Growing up around the corner, spending many days at Ardmore park, then Oxford, Mark was always a staple in the neighborhood! Sending my condolences to you all, he was a great guy! May you gain comfort in all your memories, and may he rest peacefully
My deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends. What a tragedy. My thoughts are with you during this sad time.