Kenneth “Ken” Gordon Higgs, BSc Forestry 5T2
Retired General Manager, Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (now Toronto and Region Conservation Authority).
Passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025 at the age of 95 years. Beloved husband of Joan (nee Voelker) for 71 years. Loving father of Donald (Jessica McGloin), David (Kathy Mullins), Nancy Ashton (Bradley), and Richard (Dr. Melissa Witty). Much loved grandfather of Darren and Ryan Ashton (Erin), Daniel, Katie and Mark Higgs (Supriya), Meaghan and Shannon Higgs, and Natalie and Matthew Higgs.
Ken instilled the love of skiing, cottaging, boating, and sports in his family. He was a pioneer in the acquisition of land for conservation and recreation purposes, flood plains management, outdoor education, Black Creek Pioneer Village, and waterfront development.
In keeping with Ken’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 27th, 2024 from 1- 5 p.m. at the Albion Hills Conservation Field Centre, 16500 Regional Rd 50, Caledon, ON.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Simcoe County 20 Anne Street South, Barrie Ontario, L49 2C5.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.peacefultransition.ca
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Alf Cowling
Posted on: Saturday, January 25, 2025Hello Higgs family
I am writing on behalf of my father, Alf Cowling, who worked with Mr. Higgs on the conservation Authority in the early days of its creation by the Provincial Government of the day.
Dad often came home with good reports of meetings held with your father and the positive and creative initiatives which the Authority accomplished in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
I would like to express my condolences on the passing of Mr. Higgs.
He was an exceptional and diligent advocate for the concept of Conservation in and around Toronto.
Vicki Barron
Posted on: Monday, January 27, 2025I had the pleasure of working with Ken at TRCA for several years-my junior years and Ken a rising star; a team with Fred Lunn and then at the top on his own.
What a wonderful man and colleague-always a great big smile and a true leader, respectful of all that he worked with as well as his colleagues at the other conservation authorities and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
A family man at heart-he was a team with precious Joan and together they raised a lovely family that he was extremely proud of.
My sincere sympathy to Joan and the family.
Vicki Barron