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
Bruce, Margie, Jenna, Ross & Ian.
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. You’ve all been in our thoughts for the past month.
Mark was a fine young man, gone far too soon. Lean into the beautiful memories that you all shared as a family.
Our deepest condolences.
The Stretch Family
Andrew, Marion, Nolan & Lucy
To the Higgins family – We were all so very sorry to hear the news about Mark. He was a wonderful young man, a great friend to our daughter Gina and a sort of older brother to our son Kevin. Such a loss. Deepest sympathy.
Denise, Barry, Gina and Kevin Gaul
Dear Ian and Jessica and the Higgins family. Edgar and I were so saddened to hear of Mark passing. We meant Mark at Ian and Jessica wedding. A young life gone so suddenly, hold your memories dear and know our thoughts are with you.
Love Cindy and Edgar
Margie, Bruce and family
We were so very sorry to hear of Marks death! A great young man gone way too early!! Our sincere condolences are with you as you navigate this tragedy with your family. Somehow words seem so inadequate at times like this. May you gather strength from the arms of your loving family as they gather at the celebration of his life and find some peace and comfort there! You are in our thoughts! Sending hugs!
Margaret, Bruce and family, it is with deep sadness to hear that you have lost one of your beautiful sons. We remember when you told us you were having twins shortly after having Ross. Those memories of our little ones playing in our driveway and backyards is so precious. Mark sounds like he was such a beautiful person and will be dearly missed by those who were very fortunate to know him personally. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad and difficult time . Lots of love and hugs to all of you. Wayne , Audrey ,Chris,Kevin and Brian your old neighbours.
To the Higgins Family
We were so saddened to hear of the tragic accident that has so suddenly taken the life of your beloved Mark. It is beyond comprehension.
May you find some moments of peace and solace in these dark times, and find the strength and support to move forward through the love and care of the family and friends around you.
Dear family and friends of Mark,
We are so beyond words for this tragic event. In the little time we shared with Mark, his genuine warmth and kindness was felt immediately. Our hearts are with you during this most difficult time.
Sincere condolences to Margie and family on Mark’s passing. I hope the comfort brought by family and friends at this very difficult time help ease the pain of his loss.
Margie I’m so sorry to hear of your sons passing. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs.
Margie and Bruce our condolences to you and family . We did not know of your tragic loss until today while checking the Chronicle Herald.Our thoughts are with you now as you get through the days of mourning of such a tragedy
Godblees and wish we could see you but we are far away until Dec.