December 18, 2023
December 18, 2023
We live in interesting times but not as interesting as what you are no doubt experiencing - hope to see you again one day my friend in the great beyond
This memorial website was created to celebrate the life of our father, Bryon Higgs. He was our first and finest teacher and we will greatly miss his steady, guiding presence in our lives. We invite visitors to this site to leave a comment - we would love to hear about your memories of our Dad.
Obituary
Peacefully with his family at his side, Bryon Carl Higgs, 74, of Elmira, Ontario passed from this life into the next on December 18 at Hamilton General Hospital after a brief illness.
Bryon taught high school at Elmira District Secondary School for almost all of his career and was nominated as Distinguished Teacher of the year. Bryon was an accomplished musician who played piano, clarinet and saxophone and spent many happy years playing clarinet in the Waterloo Concert Band. Throughout his life Bryon thoroughly enjoyed gardening and became very accomplished in this area. In retirement Bryon took on the role of a financial advisor, tirelessly researching the markets and very successfully managing prosperous investment accounts for family members and friends.
Bryon is survived by Janet, his loving wife of 50 years, daughters Heather (Stephen) and Kelly (Blaise), son Chris (Vivian) and beloved granddaughters Maya and Elena. Bryon will be fondly remembered by many friends locally and around the world and by his former students. Bryon will also be sadly missed by his two collies: Ghillie and Brodie who he thoroughly enjoyed walking on the Kissing Bridge Trail.
Bryon was preceded in death by his father, Carl Higgs, his mother, Jean Allen and his stepmother, Peggie Higgs.
Bryon’s family would like to thank the Neurology team at Hamilton General Hospital as well as the ICU East Nurses for the exceptional care they provided to Bryon in his final days and for the support they provided to the family during this difficult period.
A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, December 21 from 7-9 pm at Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. A celebration of Bryon’s life will be held on Friday’ December 22 at 1:30 pm at Elmira Mennonite Church with a reception to follow. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Mennonite Central Committee or the Elmira Lions Club Memorial Forest would be appreciated by the family.
Bryon’s family invites everyone to visit Bryon’s memorial website at www.bhiggs.forevermissed.com and to sign the electronic guest book. We would love to hear about your memories of Bryon or as he was known to his students, “Mr. Higgs”.
Tributes
Leave a tribute
June 30, 2023
June 30, 2023
Remembering Bryon on his 80th Birthday.
February 5, 2023
February 5, 2023
I only recently learned of his passing when I randomly discovered that my neighbours here in Calgary are Kelly's in-laws. I remember him as a passionate, caring and witty teacher who brought historical figures alive as interesting people rather than just names with dates attached. I'm sorry to hear that he left us too soon.
June 30, 2022
June 30, 2022
Visiting Bryon and his family through these photos was a meaningful remembrance of a very fine person I was lucky to know. Thank you all!!!
December 18, 2021
December 18, 2021
I fondly remember Bryon often as I reflect on our times together Bob Cummings
December 18, 2021
December 18, 2021
Hey Bryon - still think of you often - let me know what you think of the current situation, if you get the chance - I imagine you are very busy up there but when you get the chance!
December 18, 2021
December 18, 2021
We still greatly miss Bryon. We hope he has a peaceful, pleasant perch in heaven. John, Jeremy, and Sharon Masker
December 18, 2020
December 18, 2020
Hi Dad. Trump lost. Bigly.
December 18, 2020
December 18, 2020
Bryon we still miss you and your wit and political acumen - miss the days when we met for lunch with Bruce - I would like to think you would be pleased that Trump lost
Bruce
Bruce
December 18, 2020
December 18, 2020
I think of Bryon often and fondly of our days at UWO. Bob Cummings
December 18, 2019
December 18, 2019
Still think of you often Bryon - you would have loved the political scene of the day and we would have all benefited from your thoughts - many times I have thought to myself gee I wonder what Bryon would have said!
December 3, 2019
December 3, 2019
To the Higgs family,
I was sorry to read about the passing of Mr. Higgs this morning. Though I never tested him on this, I believe that Higgs (as a teacher) would subscribe to the "better late than never" principle, so I will send you some of my memories today.
Mr. Higgs was my grade 10 history teacher during my first year at EDSS. By the time I had completed a third course with him in grade 12, he was the person I would turn to when I had trouble understanding or accepting a turbulent world. I can remember him sitting with me long after class one afternoon as I cried at the unkindness of the world, the trauma of conflict, and my feelings of helplessness. He patiently talked me through the realities of our world and I left with an understanding of my power and purpose as an individual. This was about the time that the "Mr." was dropped and he became Higgs, someone I considered to be a friend and an advisor.
In three years he taught me many facts and dates. More importantly he taught me to back up an argument (or thesis) with evidence and to question "facts" as presented. He helped me develop the skills required to move through a career as a government lawyer in Canada to an LLM recipient in public international law.
Over the years we have kept in touch sporadically via email. I tried to keep him up to date on my efforts to fulfill my purpose, and to hear stories about his retirement garden and his take on global affairs and Canadian politics.
I know that I would not be the woman that I am today had I not been taught by Higgs. I trust he knew what a profound impact his career had on me as a person and a lawyer. Now, to the family that shared Higgs with the students of Elmira, I hope you know what an important part of our lives your father was.
My sincere condolences on your loss. As the anniversary of his passing approaches, I hope that my memories provide you with some comfort.
In peace,
Jana Shoemaker
I was sorry to read about the passing of Mr. Higgs this morning. Though I never tested him on this, I believe that Higgs (as a teacher) would subscribe to the "better late than never" principle, so I will send you some of my memories today.
Mr. Higgs was my grade 10 history teacher during my first year at EDSS. By the time I had completed a third course with him in grade 12, he was the person I would turn to when I had trouble understanding or accepting a turbulent world. I can remember him sitting with me long after class one afternoon as I cried at the unkindness of the world, the trauma of conflict, and my feelings of helplessness. He patiently talked me through the realities of our world and I left with an understanding of my power and purpose as an individual. This was about the time that the "Mr." was dropped and he became Higgs, someone I considered to be a friend and an advisor.
In three years he taught me many facts and dates. More importantly he taught me to back up an argument (or thesis) with evidence and to question "facts" as presented. He helped me develop the skills required to move through a career as a government lawyer in Canada to an LLM recipient in public international law.
Over the years we have kept in touch sporadically via email. I tried to keep him up to date on my efforts to fulfill my purpose, and to hear stories about his retirement garden and his take on global affairs and Canadian politics.
I know that I would not be the woman that I am today had I not been taught by Higgs. I trust he knew what a profound impact his career had on me as a person and a lawyer. Now, to the family that shared Higgs with the students of Elmira, I hope you know what an important part of our lives your father was.
My sincere condolences on your loss. As the anniversary of his passing approaches, I hope that my memories provide you with some comfort.
In peace,
Jana Shoemaker
June 30, 2019
June 30, 2019
I often think of
Bryon and miss him even though we did not see each other much in recent years.He was a real gentleman. Bob Cummings
Bryon and miss him even though we did not see each other much in recent years.He was a real gentleman. Bob Cummings
June 30, 2019
June 30, 2019
Happy Memories Janet. I think I'll sit on his bench on the trail this afternoon.
Can almost see it from our place.
Jim Bauman
Can almost see it from our place.
Jim Bauman
June 30, 2019
June 30, 2019
Still fondly remembering our staff basketball games - you owned the backboards in those days, Bryon!
June 30, 2019
June 30, 2019
Fondly remembering Bryon today and wishing the best for the Higgs family
June 30, 2019
June 30, 2019
I didn't know about this site, but "forever missed" is exactly how I feel about Bryon. Every day I wish I could see his email and ask him questions, or even disagree and argue. I miss him as though he had been my brother.
I can only imagine the love and missing that Bryon's true family experiences.
I hope you are all doing well and recovering somewhat from the great loss.
I can only imagine the love and missing that Bryon's true family experiences.
I hope you are all doing well and recovering somewhat from the great loss.
June 30, 2018
June 30, 2018
On what would have been Bryon's 75th birthday, just wanted to say we all miss him and his keen insights on financial markets and politics - with everything going on these days, I know Bryon would have very much enjoyed the markets and political background - I shall take the opportunity today to raise a toast in Bryon's honor!
February 13, 2018
February 13, 2018
Chris and family,
I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of your dad! He was the sax in stage band that got the hard parts and then helped us with the timing... he also welcomed me kindly into your home when we were practicing "Brothers in Arms" for the talent show. He seemed always happy, upbeat (and on beat), caring and kind. My heart is sad for you and for the loss of your dad! My sincerest condolences to you and your family! May God bless and comfort you all in this hard time.
I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of your dad! He was the sax in stage band that got the hard parts and then helped us with the timing... he also welcomed me kindly into your home when we were practicing "Brothers in Arms" for the talent show. He seemed always happy, upbeat (and on beat), caring and kind. My heart is sad for you and for the loss of your dad! My sincerest condolences to you and your family! May God bless and comfort you all in this hard time.
December 29, 2017
December 29, 2017
Mr. Higgs with his wonderful smile, great laugh and engaging spirit. He was a teacher that marked my high school time with fondness. My love for historical events grew while in his classes.
December 23, 2017
December 23, 2017
Mr. Higgs was a patient teacher with a wonderful sense of humour and his storytelling skills in our Ancient Civilizations class enthralled me. I still remember his delight in interviewing students who had taken on the roles of Napoleon, Caesar, and other historical leaders for a culminating project. He loved history and shared that love with his students. He made me a better writer and, as a teacher myself now, I have often thought about the way he managed to raise his students up to meet his high expectations. He was a wonderful man and I'm truly sorry to hear of his passing.
December 23, 2017
December 23, 2017
Janet, Heather, Kelly, Chris and grands;
Our wonderful memories of Bryon go back many decades. And indeed, they were wonderful. His support and help in my political endeavors, His support in the subjects he taught to our numerous children, his involvement in the band, orchestra, drama. In fact, his work in everything at EDHS. Bryon always had time for everyone with his great words of greeting and constant smile. Bryon was a great guy. We will miss him.
Brian.
Our wonderful memories of Bryon go back many decades. And indeed, they were wonderful. His support and help in my political endeavors, His support in the subjects he taught to our numerous children, his involvement in the band, orchestra, drama. In fact, his work in everything at EDHS. Bryon always had time for everyone with his great words of greeting and constant smile. Bryon was a great guy. We will miss him.
Brian.
December 22, 2017
December 22, 2017
My sympathy to all the family on the loss of a beloved father and husband. I spent many years across the hall from Bryon. It is the sounds that come back - the clatter of his typewriter, the music after classes had ended and practice started and his chuckle when something funny delighted him. May you find peace in the many memories of a wonderful man. Ruth
December 22, 2017
December 22, 2017
I am sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Higgs, as he was to me. He was my Grade 13 history teacher in 87-88. While I had always done well in the subject, he pushed me to a new level, and having had some success in the field since, I’ve always attributed a lot of it to Mr. Higgs. I particularly remember his marking system for essays, with circled numbers in the margins corresponding to a sheet of typed comments, and still think of it sometimes now whenever I comment on a Word document. He was both rigorous and inspiring.
December 22, 2017
December 22, 2017
Bryon was a very kind roommate to my Dad - D. Roy Shantz - at Grand River Hospital. My condolences on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, friend. You are all in my thoughts, especially at this time of the year.
December 21, 2017
December 21, 2017
We have known Bryon fifteen years ago, we have been related by marriage of his beloved son, Chris, and our beloved daughter, Vivian. Reminiscing back to the graceful moment of that big day 15 years ago, Bryon was in a beautiful traditional Chinese Suit (blue Tang Zhuang), his sanguine personality and beaming smiles are still engraved at the bottom of our hearts. We have shared a whale of great time together, conversing about traditions, cultures and history. We truly believe that there is no boundary in relationship and love. Along the years, Bryon and his family have never missed a time sending us Christmas and Chinese New Year Greeting cards every year. It is a very lovely and precious in-laws relationship. My deepest condolences to the Higgs family. May he rest in peace! He is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure by Chong Family.
December 21, 2017
December 21, 2017
Dear Janet and Family, I was shocked to hear of Bryons passing. We are down here in Texas. I remember fondly the years Bryon and I shared the history office. We taught grade ten history and I always enjoyed hearing his perspective on some of the issues we taught. After classes were done I know he spent countless hours with his musical group The Honking Geese. He was a quiet dedicated man who I shall remember fondly. May God be with you and your family as you go forward in the days ahead. Please accept my condolences. Wayne Ziegel
December 21, 2017
December 21, 2017
Bryon is in our hearts and on our minds as we think of the good times we shared “back in the day” at EDSS. I remember particularly the clarinet quintet and sharing a classroom with Bryon. Sharing his desk was not an option though, mounded high as it was with his History teaching materials. In cold weather Bryon did not need a refrigerator for his lunch, he just set it on the outside windowsill near his desk. Rest in peace Bryon. My sincere sympathy goes out to your family.
December 21, 2017
December 21, 2017
Sabrina posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
I will remember Mr Higgs as a great history teacher. Bless his heart he always tried to make things like the Avro Arrow and John Diefenbaker interesting. He always appeared genuinely surprised as to why 15 year olds were not interested in remembering signifcant dates in Canadian history. He was one of the most memorable teachers from EDSS and I never missed his class.
My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
I will remember Mr Higgs as a great history teacher. Bless his heart he always tried to make things like the Avro Arrow and John Diefenbaker interesting. He always appeared genuinely surprised as to why 15 year olds were not interested in remembering signifcant dates in Canadian history. He was one of the most memorable teachers from EDSS and I never missed his class.
My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
December 21, 2017
December 21, 2017
Connie Lacy posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Sending my deepest condolences to Kelly and her family for your tragic loss. Please know that in this very difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Connie Lacy
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Sending my deepest condolences to Kelly and her family for your tragic loss. Please know that in this very difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Connie Lacy
December 21, 2017
December 21, 2017
Darrell Rees posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
I remember Mr Higgs fondly as my History Teacher at EDSS. My condolences to his family at this time
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
I remember Mr Higgs fondly as my History Teacher at EDSS. My condolences to his family at this time
December 21, 2017
December 21, 2017
Dianna Weltz posted a condolence
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Though I did not have the honour of having Mr. Higgs as a history teacher, his commanding presence in the school was greatly felt. I will miss meeting him and his beloved dogs on the trail and having our small chats
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Though I did not have the honour of having Mr. Higgs as a history teacher, his commanding presence in the school was greatly felt. I will miss meeting him and his beloved dogs on the trail and having our small chats
December 21, 2017
December 21, 2017
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. My strongest memory of your Dad was his countdown to retirement, and it looks like he did amazing things with that time once it arrived! His garden(s) are so beautiful. I am so glad you got to enjoy each other for as long as you did, and that he was able to know Maya & Elena so well, and they him. Take good care of yourselves.
December 21, 2017
December 21, 2017
Mr. Higgs taught me how to write. After struggling through grade 9, Mr. Higgs put my name on the black board with some of the brightest students at EDSS. (Who, until that point, did not include me.) I loved grade 10 history. I learned the skills I needed to go to University, undertake Graduate Studies in Canadian History and to eventually graduate from Law School. I was so lucky to have had him as my teacher; and even more fortunate that I had the opportunity to share my gratitude with him while he was with us.
December 21, 2017
December 21, 2017
Bryon ( Book ) was a True Gentlemen, who to me was a Kind of a Father figure, always shared his Honest Conservative opinion, a true Gem, we will miss him.
May he rest in Peace.
My condolences to his Wife and Children.
Frank
May he rest in Peace.
My condolences to his Wife and Children.
Frank
December 20, 2017
December 20, 2017
My 20-plus year online friendship with Bryon has been an extraordinary experience and I am deeply saddened that he is not longer with us. My life and the lives of others in our small group have been enriched and I will be forever grateful for his friendship and the ability to share so much Births, deaths and marriages, the happy time and the sad times, the joys of grandchildren, dogs and gardens - we have shared them all and I send love and condolences to all his much loved family who I feel that I know so well. He was so proud of them all. Bryon extended his friendship to Rodney with financial advice and information and he was very supportive and helpful when Rodney had a stroke not long ago. He will be sorely missed. Jacque and Rodney Cole
December 20, 2017
December 20, 2017
Bryon and I were teacher colleagues at EDSS for nearly 30 years and for several years our classrooms were next to each other. My strongest memories of Bryon are from our staff basketball days. He was a formidable presence under the basket, especially when it came to getting rebounds. Playing together against the senior boys basketball team was always a treat. I will always remember Bryon for his sincerity and hard work. My deepest sympathy to Janet and all the Higgs family. May he rest now in peace!
December 20, 2017
December 20, 2017
Mr. Higgs working in the family's amazing gardens, biking down the street even when the snowbanks were almost as tall as him, out walking the dogs, playing music with students wearing the green band sweater in solidarity, and giving us current events quizzes in History class! Being friends with Janet and Bryon's daughters since childhood, I have seen him be a loving and joking dad; being a neighbour in Elmira I've seen him be a kind, generous and hardworking community member; being a student in his class, he got us thinking and caring about Canadian and international politics, and his gr. 13 History course was some of my very best preparation for university. Much strength and peace to Mrs. Higgs and all of the family as you miss him.
December 20, 2017
December 20, 2017
When we played basketball in the '70s on winter Wednesday nights, Bryon was always perched immovably under the basket to gobble up rebounds from any errant shots from Huschka or Collins. What a formidable presence! ( Gery Kraemer has alluded to these fun times when we were young and somewhat athletic.)
I always enjoyed Bryon's cheerful presence on the EDSS staff.
I always enjoyed Bryon's cheerful presence on the EDSS staff.
December 20, 2017
December 20, 2017
Go Well Neighbour. Your ever present beautiful flowers brightened our street. Your generosity of spirit -- surprising us by wallpapering and painting our house before we returned from Africa, helping to chop down the trees in our back yard, always willing to help --will always be gratefully remembered. Janet and family, courage and serenity as you go in God's compassion and care as you celebrate Bryon's memory, life and legacy.
Gudrun & Ron
Gudrun & Ron
December 20, 2017
December 20, 2017
Living on the other side of the country I did not get to know Bryon well. Because he was the father of our Blaise's wife Kelly, he was always on our thoughts. I always marveled at his knowledge the few times we met. May his family take comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain and is in a better place.
December 20, 2017
December 20, 2017
Bryon is remembered by all us "old guys" in the Waterloo Concert Band as one of the most active members while on the executive there. It was through his contacts that we started performances in Elmira. Bryon was always a hard worker even as his physical limitations started to show. A great liason between people with his positive and friendly manner. We benefited from his time with us.
December 20, 2017
December 20, 2017
I share Bryon's family sadness. After 15 years of contacts with Bryon,
I will miss this great human being always ready to help others.
I remember with a smile photos he shared with all of us on a board he was managing on the net. Photos of beautiful little girls and Bryon having a funny hat...
Bryon was a great leader on an investment board and made many many friends.
To all his family members, please accept my sincere sympathy.
Au revoir mon ami Bryon.
Je ne t'oublierai jamais et garderai pour toujours d'excellents souvenirs.
Tu vas manquer à de très nombreuses personnes.
Merci de m'avoir aider à évoluer rapidement dans le domaine fascinant de l'investissement.
Que Dieu protège ta famille.
I will miss this great human being always ready to help others.
I remember with a smile photos he shared with all of us on a board he was managing on the net. Photos of beautiful little girls and Bryon having a funny hat...
Bryon was a great leader on an investment board and made many many friends.
To all his family members, please accept my sincere sympathy.
Au revoir mon ami Bryon.
Je ne t'oublierai jamais et garderai pour toujours d'excellents souvenirs.
Tu vas manquer à de très nombreuses personnes.
Merci de m'avoir aider à évoluer rapidement dans le domaine fascinant de l'investissement.
Que Dieu protège ta famille.
December 20, 2017
December 20, 2017
I was one of Mr. Higgs' students in the mid-seventies. He was a good teacher!
My thoughts are with the family at this hard time.
My thoughts are with the family at this hard time.
December 20, 2017
December 20, 2017
Very shortly before Bryan was given his diagnosis ,I met him in the parking lot by Donuts & Deli and we had a very pleasant conversation . He was happy and engaging so now with his passing I'm looking at that little tete a tete as a gift .
Bless you all as you navigate the next stage of life . May you be given the strength and support you need to "make sense of it all".
My sincere condolences to you ,Janet and all your kin.
Fern Shantz
Bless you all as you navigate the next stage of life . May you be given the strength and support you need to "make sense of it all".
My sincere condolences to you ,Janet and all your kin.
Fern Shantz
December 20, 2017
December 20, 2017
He was a stalwart of our Department and a really nice man who was smart and decent to everyone he worked with. We had many laughs both in the department office and at his house after he retired. His
insights regarding the financial trends and the field of world affairs was refreshing and unique to his outlook. I feel fortunate to have been his colleague.
Craig Stuart
insights regarding the financial trends and the field of world affairs was refreshing and unique to his outlook. I feel fortunate to have been his colleague.
Craig Stuart
December 20, 2017
December 20, 2017
Mr. Higgs was a caring, patient teacher. I remember the many lunch hours he spent working with our clarinet quintet. Oh, the patience he had with squawking instruments and giggling girls! One other memory...of Mr. Higgs trying desperately to call his exuberant lab Crescendo as the furry fellow barreled down the road to greet me! My thought and prayers for peace and comfort are with you all.
December 19, 2017
December 19, 2017
Bryon and I were not close friends in the traditional sense but I know we nonetheless considered ourselves close friends in a non traditional sense based upon many years of cyberspace get togethers, innumerable emails exchanged dealing with the markets, politics, and history etc, as well as getting together for lunches to talk shop - so traditional or not, I considered him a friend and I will greatly miss his wit, occasionally sardonic sarcasm, vast knowledge of history and politics and of course, his always keen insights and observations of the market - perhaps more importantly I will miss him and his humanity, but I consider myself thankful that we passed this way together, a product of the computer age, without which I likely would have never had the privilege and honor to meet up with him, and call him my friend - my heartfelt wishes and condolences to the family - Bryon will be greatly missed. Bruce Cameron
December 19, 2017
December 19, 2017
Bruce and Deborah are still processing the sudden loss of our friend, Bryon and know that we will surely miss his very unique and interesting influence on our lives. Janet and Bryon and the two of us had the opportunity to do a few fun trips together...to Mexico, to Ireland, to Malaysia and a cruise down the Mississippi. In all of those places he enjoyed the gardens and flowers and had lots of obscure historical information to keep us surprised.
He was also a very organized and detailed person and I can certainly attest, that as the manager of my political campaign, he ran the best campaign in the entire province! He knew every neighbourhood and street in a very large Riding and he ensured that every part of the campaign from door knocking to media and advertising to finances was a masterpiece of organization.
Bryon and Janet were also the pillars of our Bridge Club. Bryon was a great bridge player and had absolutely no pity for bridge "weaklings"!
Of course, there is also Bryon's well known penchant for investing and he managed some of our money with great gusto, keeping us abreast of changing economic and political circumstances which affected the stock market. We enjoyed these regular updates and marvelled at his ability to assess the issues.
We will miss " our" Bryon but will have lots of great memories of our friendship. We send our love to Janet and the Higgs Family.
Deborah and Bruce 1hale
He was also a very organized and detailed person and I can certainly attest, that as the manager of my political campaign, he ran the best campaign in the entire province! He knew every neighbourhood and street in a very large Riding and he ensured that every part of the campaign from door knocking to media and advertising to finances was a masterpiece of organization.
Bryon and Janet were also the pillars of our Bridge Club. Bryon was a great bridge player and had absolutely no pity for bridge "weaklings"!
Of course, there is also Bryon's well known penchant for investing and he managed some of our money with great gusto, keeping us abreast of changing economic and political circumstances which affected the stock market. We enjoyed these regular updates and marvelled at his ability to assess the issues.
We will miss " our" Bryon but will have lots of great memories of our friendship. We send our love to Janet and the Higgs Family.
Deborah and Bruce 1hale
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
December 18, 2023
December 18, 2023
We live in interesting times but not as interesting as what you are no doubt experiencing - hope to see you again one day my friend in the great beyond
June 30, 2023
June 30, 2023
Remembering Bryon on his 80th Birthday.
February 5, 2023
February 5, 2023
I only recently learned of his passing when I randomly discovered that my neighbours here in Calgary are Kelly's in-laws. I remember him as a passionate, caring and witty teacher who brought historical figures alive as interesting people rather than just names with dates attached. I'm sorry to hear that he left us too soon.
Gallery
Bryon's Bench on the Kissing Bridge Trail, Elmira, Ontario Canada Nov 09 2020
Bryon's Memorial Plaque on his Bench
Brodie at Bryon's Bench on the Kissing Bridge Trail, Elmira, Ontario Canada Nov 09 2020
Brodie, Ghillie & Riley at Bryon's Memorial Tree May 21 2018
Bryon's Brodie & Ghillie March 27 2011
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A Video Tribute to Bryon's Life created by Blaise
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Recent stories
Bryon
December 19, 2018
by Bob Cummings
I was very saddened to hear of Bryon's passing. In the 1960's Bryon and I were both students in the Honours History Program at U.W.O. Bryon was a conscientious student, good friend and always positive. He was very appreciative of his step mother and always spoke positively about her and his Muskoka roots.
We enjoyed our visits to Bryon and Janet in Wingham and Elmira and in particular Bryon's beautiful flower gardens. In moving to Elmira Bryon and Janet certainly chose wisely. Theirs and their family's school, community and church involvement enriched their lives, and the community. I always appreciated his easygoing, happy manner. He made a difference to many. The impact of his teaching and mentoring will be long remembered. He was truly a gentle man.
Mr. Higgs
December 29, 2017
by Nicole Papke
I have fond memories being a student of Mr. Higgs at EDSS. I was fortunate to be able to enjoy his passion for history in two separate years. He was a wonderful educator who inspired me to always critically think about all aspects of history. Mr. Higgs always made me want to do better and his lively and fun demeanour made his classes memorable.
I can only imagine how his energetic and incredible personality resonated in his personal life with those close to him. My thoughts go out to all is family at this very sad time.
Warm regards,
Nicole Papke
What Dad Taught Us
December 21, 2017
Bryon was a lifelong teacher, perfectly suited to his profession. Here’s what Bryon taught me:
Janet: To seize the day and leap from thinking to doing.
Heather: All the words from popular 1950 and 60’s songs, that Muskoka is a beautiful place, the names of most flowers and that hard work and determination will take you far in life.
Stephen: Family is important, he was careful to be fair and treat all 3 kids equally, business, markets, and humans in general, often act irrationally and this exasperated hiim, the world is about to flood, or maybe be buried under snow, or…
Kelly: Given that my Dad was my first and will always be my finest teacher it is challenging to keep this succinct. One of the key things I learned from him is that lacking natural ability, talent or knowledge are not legitimate reasons to give up on a pursuit. He taught me that hard work, disciplined effort and perseverance can make up for most deficits in natural ability, knowledge or talent. He also taught me that hospital jello should be avoided at all costs. :-)
Chris: That it is ok to be yourself and live life on your own terms. And never buy a split level house.
Vivian: To be compassionate, non-judgmental and open-minded. In my 16 years knowing Dad, he had never spoken ill of anyone. Except Donald Trump. And that Canadian bacon is the best in the world.
Maya: To be a loving and kind soul. Even the smallest gestures can make a difference in someone’s day. And how to mow a lawn properly.
Elena: Grandpa jokes are even cheesier than Dad jokes. You are never too young to learn about stocks.