HIGGINS, Christopher

 

It is with great sorrow and reluctance that we say goodbye to our beloved Chris, adored husband to Heather, wonderful dad to Jim, father-in-law to Mandee, and besotted granddad to Jason and Chloe, the loves of his life.  He was also a beloved son-in-law to Jane, much loved third son of Walter and Emily Higgins, of Oswestry, UK, cherished brother to Graham, Roger, and Jeanette, and devoted uncle, brother-in-law, nephew, and friend.  Chris was predeceased by his dad Walter in 1995 and his father-in-law Tom in 2009.  We immigrated to Canada in 1980 and Chris soon fell in love with the mountains and the great outdoors.  His love of animals was strong and he surrounded himself with horses, dogs, and cats on our acreage.  He loved to ride horses and his motorbike, and relaxed playing golf or just sitting on the swing in the yard watching the sun go down, and saying how lucky we were.  Always ready with a helping hand, he was a gentle soul with the kindest heart who always knew the right thing to say to people.  He was, quite simply, the most wonderful man, love of my life and my best friend, and I am grateful for the 35 years we had together.  Many thanks to the staff of Unit 94 at the Foothills Hospital who have made the last seven weeks bearable with hugs and encouragement.  They all took Chris into their hearts and their grace and kindness is forever appreciated.  They fought so hard for him.  Chris will be sadly missed by every person who was ever lucky enough to meet him.  A memorial service was held on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at Lord of All Lutheran Church, Strathmore at 1:00 p.m.  If desired, donations may be made directly to the Foothills Hospital Foundation (Calgary Health Trust, 800, 11012 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB, T2J 6A5).  To send condolences, please visit www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.  WHEATLAND FUNERAL HOME LTD. (Strathmore) in care of arrangements. 403-934-5666.