Obituary of William J. Higgins

HIGGINS, WILLIAM J. – The death of William James “Shakey” Higgins of Long Point, NB, husband of Linda (Latham) Higgins occurred at his residence on Saturday, September 30, 2006. Born in Saint John, NB he was a son of the late James and Mina (Hoyt) Higgins. Bill was hired on to the Saint John Police Force on June 27, 1965 and was promoted to Detective in 1976. Detective Bill Higgins retired from the Saint John Police Force with over 32 years of service. Most of Bill’s policing career was spent in the Fraud Unit of the Criminal Investigations Division. Bill was recognized as an expert in his field by his colleagues and the financial institutions and businesses he served. In 1989 he was recognized by the Institute of Canadian Bankers and was awarded the “Canadian Bankers Annual Recognition Award.” In addition to instructing at in-service training courses, Bill was a regular lecturer at fraud seminars, banking and financial institutions, local businesses, and educational institutions on the various methods of defrauding financial institutions, businesses and individuals. In October 1989 he was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the City of Saint John and was awarded the “Ambassador of Goodwill” certificate by Mayor Elsie Wayne. With his keen interest in the history of the Saint John Police Force, Bill soon became known as the Force’s historian. His interest turned in to a passion and he co-authored a series of books on the Force’s history. Bill was a member and was involved with the choir at Hampton United Church and was a member of Marie Short’s Country Jamboree. He was an avid golfer at the Hampton Golf Course and enjoyed painting and woodworking. Bill was a devoted family man who will be greatly missed by his family. Besides his wife of forty years, Bill is survived by his daughters: Karen Higgins (John Clarke) of Morrisdale, NB and Debbie Childs (Phil) of Hampton, his sisters: Jeanette Heans (Bev) and Elizabeth Ferris of Saint John, his step-sisters: Hazel Whittaker (Bruce) of Hampton and Helene Bursey of Saint John, his step-brother; Charles Hoyt of Fredericton, NB, two grandchildren: Regan Lester and Scott Childs, his mother-in-law, Marguerite Latham of Sussex and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his step-father, Clarence Hoyt. Resting at Brenan’s Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, (506-634-7424) with visiting on Monday and Tuesday 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 pm. Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at Hampton United Church at 10:00am. Interment will take place in Hampton Rural Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a charity of the donor’s choice.