MacCoubrey Funeral Home
30 King St. E., Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Peter Higgs passed away on March 6, 2024, at the age of 76. He is deeply missed by his wife, Barbara Higgs, and his daughters, Suzanne (Justin) Kerr and Jennifer (Eugene) Neutel.
He will also be missed by Barbara's children, Sarah (Jason) Hunter, Joel (Joanne) Alexander, and Brett (Ivana) Alexander.
Peter was the proud Papa of 11 grandchildren: Olivia, Jonah, and Ella Kerr; Elijah, Wyatt and Maeve Neutel; Emily, Louisa and Allison Hunter; and Violet and Wren Alexander.
Born in London, England, Peter immigrated to Canada when he was 10. Peter spent his childhood in Orillia and moved to Port Hope and Cobourg areas as an adult. He worked as a teacher, and spent the majority of his career at Port Hope's Central Public School. He enjoyed downhill skiing, reading, badminton, and country living. Peter was also a history buff, and loved to watch sports including college basketball and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Peter had early onset Parkinson's Disease, and courageously persevered with a positive mindset through health challenges. He enjoyed years of living in Warkworth with his wife, Barbara, and then moved to Toronto.
Peter's family would like to thank the staff of Streamway Villa in Cobourg for their excellent care and compassion during his final years.
A celebration of life is planned for family and friends at MacCoubrey Funeral Home on Sunday, March 24 at 1:30 p.m. A private family interment will take place at a later date.
If desired, donations to Parkinson Canada in lieu of flowers are appreciated.
To Barbara and family I taught with Peter at Central School for many years.I remember his kindness and patience as he would navigate with us in the early days of computers in the classroom.I also remember his reminders about getting those library books back before the end of the school year. My partner passed last summer from Parkinson's and I know what a battle it was for him and his entire family.I know he was more than a little grateful for all that you did to support him. I send you my thoughts and prayers Lynne Kerr
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
I taught with Peter for many years at Central Public School, I considered him a great friend and a great colleague. I wish to extend my sincere condolences to his family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada - Northumberland
I am so sorry to read of your dad’s passing Suzanne and Jennifer and families. Losing a parent always leaves a big hole in your lives.
Hi Suzanne and Jen, sorry about your dad , hope all is well with you two !
It is with sadness that we say good bye to our friend, Peter. We are old friends from his Orillia days. I met Peter when we were in grade 5 which was shortly after he immigrated to Canada from England and we formed a close bond of friendship then that has lasted down through the years. Even though our teaching careers took us to different communities we managed to keep in touch. June remembers our years in youth group in our church and then the many times over the years visiting whether at formal times like weddings or informal times building decks and fences. Our children have seen Peter as one of our family. Because of his faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour, I look forward for a grand reunion some day in Heaven. So it is just so long for now.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
our condolances to Peter's family. I had the pleasure of meeting Peter through our involment with the Parkinsons support group, where Peter activitly supported the Superwalk year after year . he was an inspiration to us all and wiĺl be missed. Bill & Marg Andrus
Dear Barb: We are so very sorry to hear of Peter's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your families. Love Angela and Bob
I was so deeply saddened to hear of Peter's passing. Although we hadn't been in contact for years, I often thought of my brother and remembered him in many memories of times spent together. Peter will continue to live in my heart. I wish to express sincerest condolences to Peters family. May he rest in peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
I taught with Peter at Central Public School, and remember his sense of humour well. I am sorry to hear of his passing, and my thoughts go out to the family, especially the grandchildren who will miss knowing Peter as they grow.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada - Northumberland
Dear Barb and family My deepest condolences for the passing of Peter. I knew Peter as a teacher, as a parent of two of my students (his daughters) and as a devoted volunteer in several political campaigns. He was a a sweet, gentle man. My heart goes out to you, Barb, and the children. You are in my thoughts, dear friend.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Our condolences for your loss. We pray that God will surround you with His love and comfort you as you grieve.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
Suzanne, Jenny and families, We were saddened to hear of Peter's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Peter was a very thoughtful and insightful person, as well as a comical character at times. Our deepest condolences to his entire family. R.I.P Peter.
Dear Suzanne, Jennifer and families So very sorry to hear of your father's passing. Sincere condolences.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada - Northumberland
So sorry to hear of Peter's passing. I know all the family will miss his smile and whit. Take care Barb and family.
Jenny & Suzanne, Heartfelt thoughts & condolences to you girls, and your family. Danielle, Melissa & Michelle Kennedy
Fondly remember teaching with Peter at North Hope Central School, recalling many happy times and occasions. Please accept my sincere sympathy and condolences.
Alan and I were sad to hear about Peter. All of you are in our thoughts. He certainly fought a long time and Barb you were his strongest supporter. Afraid that we are still away on March 24th but will be thinking of you.
Sorry to hear of Peter's passing. I worked at Central Public School with him. Sending sympathies!
Alan and I were sad to hear about Peter. All of you are in our thoughts. He certainly fought a long time and Barb you were his strongest supporter. Afraid that we are still away on March 24th but will be thinking of you.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada - Northumberland
Barb, I am deeply sorry to read of the passing of your beloved Peter. May all your wonderful memories and pictures of your many travels and times together bring some comfort to you during this heartbreaking time and carry you into the future.
To all of Peter's family, I'm sending deepest condolences. Much love to all of you.
Mr.Higgs….the gentle giant. As I entered kindergarten at central p.s. in the early 80’s . my brother was in peters grade 6 class,I would wait outside the class at the end of the day and Mr Higgs could see my fear; as he was known as being tuff/scary. He would go out of his way to keep me entertained and smiling whilst waiting. As I reached grade 6 and entered that same class I never felt afraid…we shared in sarcastic banter and jokes….he was always very supportive and truly cared about his students. He was one of the best. May he rest in peace.
We are so sorry for your loss. Love the Devlins
So sorry to hear of Peter's passing. He certainly made school life at Central a more enjoyable, vibrant place. Condolences to you all
Such a lovely man. My sincere condolences to all who loved and cared for Peter.
Suzanne please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved father. Know that you are in my thoughts at this time.
Suzanne, Jenny and families Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Hugs of love