Robert HIGGINS

HIGGINS, Robert Talmage
Bob, age 85, passed away peacefully at the Luther Special Care Home, on February 6, 2013, with his loving wife Lena by his side. Bob was born in Rosetown Hospital, May 23, 1927, to his parents George Talmage Higgins, and Mabel Cecelia Somerville. He was raised on the farm, four miles east of Rosetown, the fourth of five children. His schooling included Hillside Country School, Rosetown Public, Birch Cliff in Toronto, Wilson School in Saskatoon, and Nutana Collegiate in Saskatoon. He then graduated from Success Business College.His career with the C.N.R. began in February 1947, and continued until his retirement in May 1987. His connection with the C.N.R. has remained, as he rarely missed visiting with friends at the pensioners' coffee row at the Circle Park Mall. His marriage to Lena (McConnell Wensley) in 1972, brought her children into his life: Laurie (Gwen) Wensley of Wiseton; Rosemary (Verne) Slywka of Saskatoon; Diana Harris of Saskatoon, and Jeffrey (Barbara) Wensley of Lethbridge, AB. Bob very much enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren; Lauren and Lytton Wensley; Ryan (Beth) and great grandchild Jordyn, Jason Slywka; Brynn (fiancé Nathan) and Mitchel Harris; and Jocelyn and Jenelle Wensley. Next to family and church activities, Bob's passion was enjoying nature. He loved to hunt, and he and Lena spent many hours fishing, boating, camping, and bird watching with the Saskatoon Nature Society. They belonged to the Wandering Wheels RV Club and were regulars on the Wildwood Golf Course. As Snowbirds for almost twenty years, they escaped the cold by driving to Desert Hot Springs, California. Bob was a founding member of both St. Martin's and Meewasin Valley United Church. He belonged to the Bridge City Cosmopolitan Club for many years, the Canadian Club and was a Charter Member of the Swinging Saints Square Dance Club. Bob was predeceased by his sister Lorna (and Leighton) Anderson; brother Keith (and Sylvia) Higgins; brothers-in-law Floyd Clark and Copper Newitt; and son Charles John at birth. Left to mourn: his wife Lena; his sisters Edna Clark of Kindersley and Ruth Newitt of Chilliwack; daughters Diane Higgins and Lynne Higgins (from Bob's first marriage); numerous nieces and nephews; as well as the step-children and their families. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Luther Special Care Home for their care and support of Bob. Memorial donations in Bob's honor could be made to Luther Special Care Home or to Mayfair United Church. The funeral service for Bob will be held at Mayfair United Church (902 33rd St. W), at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, with reception to follow. Online condolences may be sent from www.hillcrestmemorial.ca Arrangements entrusted to Sten Olesen.