Thomas Chapman Higgins

Passed away peacefully, on September 19, 2018, at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, in his 97th year.

Loving and beloved husband of 69 years to the late Shirley E. (Garlick) Higgins (2013). Dear father of Barbara (Richard “Dick”) Gardham, Louise (David) Snook, Katherine Higgins, Tom (Michele) Higgins. Papa of Beth (Gerald) Moore, Paul Gardham, Michelle (Robert) Burns, Andrea (Alex) Fraser, Michael (Holly) Higgins, Matthew (Ashley) Higgins. Proud Great-Papa of Jack and Mairin Moore, Cole Gardham, Madison and Nathan Burns, Joshua and Emma Fraser and Aynsleigh Higgins. Survived by sister Irene Joyce (Pentti) (2016) Taivainen and sister-in-laws Doris, and Evelyn Higgins. Predeceased by parents Milford and Irene (Branston) Higgins. Brothers Fred (Helen) Higgins, Ted Higgins, Bill Higgins, John (Hazel) Higgins and sister Nora (Joseph) Mannion. Sister-in-law Kathlyn (Carl) Rosebrugh. Born in 1922 he spent his early years in Stratford Ontario. Shortly after moving to Galt, Ontario he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy. He became a stoker on a Large Landing Craft. For many years Tom enjoyed the challenges of working as a mechanic at City Garage and Mammy’s Bread in Galt and as a diesel mechanic at Woods Transport in Hespeler. Dad loved family get-togethers, nature, camping, fishing at Six Mile Lake, trips exploring Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Europe and later cruising around the world. And did I mention Fishing? Visitation at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews St., Cambridge, on Saturday, October 6, 2018 from 10 -11 a.m. followed by a service in the Chapel. Private interment in Ayr Cemetery. Donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Dad enlisted in WWII as R.C.N.V.R. (Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve), Combined Operations, Engine Room Branch. There he learned his diesel engine trade. Dad was a Stoker 1st CLASS (M), “(M)” meaning Motor Branch. He was assigned to both L.C.I. (L) #304 and #166. “L.C.I. (L)” means Landing Craft Infantry Large.

Just prior to being shipped overseas, Dad became engaged to his “First Mate Forever” at Hamilton Barracks, ON. He participated in ferrying the first assault troops to the French Coast, then served in the Mediterranean Campaign.

King George and P.M. Churchill, on deck of a ship, viewed those amassed in the Southampton England area. Only then did Dad realize just how big their next assignment surely had to be; yet not knowing what it was; D-Day.

The next day, on L.C.I. (L) #166, Dad along with the rest of the Canadian Crew transported American Soldiers of the 5th Army over very rough seas to Normandy, France to drop them off at Omaha Beach. The crew kept returning to larger allied ships at Omaha, the Utah Beach, transporting soldiers to specified areas. Dad was twenty-one. Dad always remembered those he served with.

Afterward Dad returned to Halifax with POW’s onboard, followed by service at H.M.C.S. Cornwallis, N.S., Canada, until war’s end. While there, Dad telegraphed Mom one week’s notice re his leave to marry her, Oct. 14, 1944 in Galt, ON. Afterward, Dad returned to Cornwallis and Mom followed.

WWII had such historical importance for the world, including this couple and how they chose to live forward. Dad did his best to live for his country, family, and those left in the waters and on the field despite how war marked his life. He always said it was those who died in that war who were true heroes.

Many years later he expressed relief and so much more for those soldiers buried at an American Cemetery near the French Beaches, knowing they were so well cared for.

It was vitally important to Dad and Mom that we know about this war so specifically. Now that Dad’s ship has peacefully sailed to his First Mate Forever, we are their voices for this upcoming Remembrance Day to honour Dad and all who have served. One way or another, they all laid their lives down for all of us.

With great thankfulness and much love, we remember our Hero and his First Mate Forever.

The Family.