It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Eric Francis Higgins of Toronto, who passed away on June 10th, 2024 at the age of 71. After suffering a brain injury several years ago, Eric tenaciously overcame many health challenges but ultimately succumbed to heart complications.

Eric was the proud father of Jennifer (Jeff) McCarroll, Amanda, and Michael, and a devoted grandfather to Madison McCarroll. He was the beloved brother of Charles, David, Gary, Sharon, Diane, & Maureen. Eric is survived by his former wife Marnie Higgins.
Eric was born in Toronto, Ontario to Catherine and Alfred Higgins on June 20th, 1952. He grew up in a bustling household and was an intelligent and resourceful child with a fun-loving and entrepreneurial spirit; getting up to his fair share of antics as a youth. One of his favourite sayings that sums up his philosophy in life was, “I’ll try anything once…maybe twice.”

Eric was a lover of sports and outdoor recreation, which was introduced to him at a young age while spending time at the Dovercourt Boys Club & the St. Alban’s Boys & Girls Club. He eventually developed a particular passion for swimming. As the smallest teenager in his life-guarding program, Eric did not let his diminutive stature deter him. He defeated the odds and graduated to become a lifeguard for the City of Toronto. Eric continued to swim at his local public pool up until his last days. Eric also enjoyed playing racquetball, baseball and volleyball.

After attending high school at Central Technical School, Eric pursued his interest in studying electronics at Centennial College, which eventually led him to work in the fire protection industry.

For a brief time, Eric was a taxi driver and through this he came to know the city like the back of his hand. After working for two larger fire protection & security companies, Eric decided to start his own fire protection company in 1999 which he ran successfully for over 20 years. Eric was very happy to welcome his son into the business, first as an employee and eventually as a business partner.

Eric became highly regarded amongst his industry peers as a great teacher and mentor of immeasurable patience and generosity, giving of his time to help troubleshoot and solve the most perplexing situations.
Some of Eric’s favourite pastimes were playing cards, camping and taking his kids to baseball games. He was an avid cribbage and euchre player. Eric looked forward to travelling back to visit family in P.E.I. each summer, where his parents grew up and his brother David lives.

As a music lover, most activities in Eric’s life had a soundtrack: CCR, David Bowie and the Beatles being in the top spots.
Later in life, Eric surprised many of us with his hidden creative side thru designing Halloween costumes for contests that he won several times.

The family would like to extend our deep gratitude to Dr. A. Ein, the caring staff in the stroke and intensive care units at Humber River Hospital, and to Eric’s dedicated PSW Florie Mar Ruaya.

Eric will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his children, granddaughter, siblings, nieces, nephews and close friends. Until we meet again, “Drive Safe.”