John Sidney Daniel Higgins

17th October 1954 - 8th August 2023
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Service Details
J Fraser and Sons Chapel, cnr Esk and Doons Streets, Invercargill, on Tuesday
Tuesday 15 August 2023, 1:30PM

HIGGINS, John Sidney Daniel. Suddenly at Westport on Tuesday 8 August 2023. Aged 68 years. Loved son of the late Sidney and Eileen Higgins. Loved brother and brother-in-law of the late Peter; Stephen and Glenys (Invercargill). Much loved Uncle of Jane and Stu, Paul and Caiomhe, Emma, and Kate; Michael, Clare, and James. And much loved great Uncle. A service to celebrate John’s life will be held in J Fraser and Sons Chapel, cnr Esk and Doons Streets, Invercargill, at 1.30pm, on Tuesday 15 August, 2023. Messages to 115 George Street and tributes may be left on John’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes where a live stream of the service will also be available.

 

Messages

Condolences to the family, especially Stephen and Glenys. Rest in peace, John.
Patricia Meskill (née Warren), Christchurch
So sorry to hear about John's passing. Have lots of memories of John sitting on top of a wardrobe in a student flat doing amazing racing commentaries. A great story teller. Condolences to his family.
John and Joan McGoldrick, Christchurch
Condolences to John's family. John was a very engaging person with a great sense of humour. While he has been away from Invercargill for a few years, I doubt there would be many Ascot Sport's Bar regulars that didn't know him. He will be missed by family and friends alike. Craig, Ange, Maisie
Craig Macalister, Invercargill
Condolences to John’s family. Very sad to hear of his passing. We only knew John a short time but he was a real character, lots of laughs, we did enjoy his company. Karen & Dean Woods. Havelock North
Karen Woods, Havelock North
Farewell to a man who would go out of his way to make you feel part of the party. We so enjoyed our time with you in Westport, sharing memories of Jesse’s late father
Sarah and Jesse McBride, Auckland
Dear Aunty Glenys and Uncle Stephen and all the extended Higgins family.
My deepest condolences.
Uncle John always had a warm and caring nature.
I remember many lovely memories growing up, hanging out at the horse races, playing pool and having bar snacks at the pub.
He had the most infectious smile/laughter.
He was a fantastic uncle growing up.
Rest in peace!
Say hello to Peter (dad) from me too xxx Clare & Lucy
Clare Higgins, Christchurch
A great cousin - John I will always remember whitebait fritters you cooked for us at the Cosmopolitan in Westport, while we discussed how much money the whanau had lost on that horse “McPadden”.
Kia kaha to all who loved you
Joanne
Joanne McPadden Doherty, Wellington
Sending our sincere condolences to the family of John We had the pleasure to meet John while managing the Ascot Park Hotel where John was part of the greater family.
A top bloke
Bryan and Bronwyn Townley
Bryan Townley, Perth AUS
John bounced into our lives for just one week in 2007 (Caoimhe and Paul's Wedding. What a character! Big,smiling, friendly, he spread happiness. We took him immediately to our hearts. Very old Irish proverb-May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you are dead.There was never any chance that auld boy would catch John, he was such a good person. His light has gone out in this world but he'll be keeping a wee eye on you all from above. May his beautiful soul Rest in Peace. Thinking of you all.Eugene and Karen Walsh and family.
Eugene and Karen Walsh and family. , Castlederg, Ireland.
John
You will be missed, loved working for you and seeing you at the Ascot as well. Bigger than life, great stories and so many laughs.
Rest in peace.
Jenny Carmody, Rolleston
Condolences to John’s family, he was such a fun and happy man.
Amber Brady, Invercargill
Condolences to you Stephen and the extended Higgins family. John was the youngest of three but from the time he could make any noise, he was the loudest and the entertainer not only in his family but also in the neighbourhood! He loved people and we all loved him for his kindred spirit, humour and generous nature.
What a way to go Higgi — see Eileen’s persistence for you to repeat multiple decades of the rosary payed off!
May you rest in peace knowing that you had a great effect on all of us who knew you.
Thank you for being you.
Do they have horse racing on the other side?
Bryan & Jo Anne Hale
Bryan Hale , Christchurch
John Higgins was a true southern legend who left a lasting impression on everyone he met along the way. He had a real interest in people and places and will be remembered fondly by many.
Jenny Biss, Havelock North
We always thought we would have you around us forever Higgy however sadly your calling has come early. Far too early. Your infectious smile and welcome greeting everytime we arrived at the Cosmo for the Westport race meetings will forever be missed and our stayovers at Xmas and in March each year will never be quite the same. Taking us to the track and back to base each raceday, tiki tours in and around Westport, the stories at the bar were all part of our experience you were always giving of your time. We will remember you Higgy with great affection and will raise a glass for our absent friend during our future stays at the Cosmo. Rest in peace Higgy.
Dave Mc Master John Hughes, Christchurch
Sincere condolences to Stephen, Glenys and the family. John will leave a big gap in your lives. We remember the fun times together as kids on our farm at Ikamatua when Syd, Eileen and the boys visited. John was such a live wire. Much love Bill, Jane, Mary, John and Jim O’Malley
Jane O’Malley, christchurch
We like many others didnt know you well Higgie ! but
well enough to know all these comments are true !..
The few times we had with you , will always be remembered as they were too funny to ever forget 🤣
We called at the pub to see you , just weeks ago , unfortunately it was closed ,so missed out on our final conversation. So sad for all your family and friends 😢 .
You will greatly missed ... Rest in peace and love ❤️
Judy and Bill Haywood, Nelson
To the Higgins Family, our sympathy to all, fond memories of a great guy, will be sadly missed.
Kath & Trevor Craddock , Westport
Deepest condolences to everyone who knew Higgy. He was nothing but a happy go lucky guy and it saddens me that our old mate from the Cos isn’t with us.
From the moment I met Higgy, 15 years ago I never knew if he was joking around or being serious. As our friendship blossomed and we soon clicked and got on like a house on fire. My daughter (8) absolutely adored “Piggy” and she was the twinkle in his eye. We’ll miss running up to the flat at the Cos to visit and having a drink and a chat with you.
You have taken pieces of a lot of people with you Higgy. Dearly missed already. May you rest in peace. Raise a cold beer Higgy. Lots of love x
Tayla & Amarni, Westport
Higgy you were a true champion right from my first trip to invercargill for Inter-Island Horse Transport meeting you at the ascot to catching up at Westport great yarns & laughter, unfortunately can’t attend your service but RIP and thoughts with your family & friends I’m sure they will be charging a glass at the ascot & cosmopolitan 🍺
David Whittle , Christchurch
Deepest condolences to John's family and friends. I met John years ago through Insurance. John was man that stood out in the crowd with his wide cheery smile. A true gentleman and a real good character.
Fondly remembered. And gone way too soon.
Maree Fyffe, Invercargill
Star Rugby Club wishes to pass on its condolences to the Higgins family after the sudden passing of John.
John was involved in our club in the 70's and 80's which included a Galbraith Shield win as manager in 1980, funeral details are below. RIP John.
Star Rugby Football Club, Invercargill
So sorry to hear of John’s sudden death. Condolences to Stephen and all the family. We have such happy memories of growing up in Westport with our cousins Peter, Stephen and John. Rest in Peace John.
Patricia, Pauline & Elizabeth (Organ)
Pauline Blyth , Christchurch
Thank you John for the time you spent with our Grandies. Never to be forgotten. Deepest sympathy Judith & Ron Baldie
Judith & Ron Baldie, Westport
Will miss you Higgie. Will miss you thumping down the stairs at the cos ,and that silly grin of your. Will aways remember you.
Sharon and Wayne Patterson , Westport
Dearest Higgy, you've been taken from us all way too soon. Life can be so unfair. Milah is devastated that her "Piggy" will no longer be at the Cos anymore - the place just wont be the same without you. Will never forget all the laughs and wonderful memories, especially after the Flood. Sending Love to the Higgins family, thinking of everyone in Invercargill today xx
Mathew & Clair, Tessa & Milah, Westport
Such fond memories of Higgie since I was a young girl. He certainly was one of a kind and knew how to make you feel special. I’ll never forget his racing commentaries - such a talent. Rest in Peace dear Higgie. You’ll never be forgotten for your kindness and absolute sense of fun. My sincere condolences and love to all of his family.. One of life’s treasures! xx
Mandy Martin, Christchurch
I watched John’s service yesterday and lots of great memories came back to me.
I very astute and caring person who gave us all so much pleasure whenever we were in his company.
John had a unique way of making his friends all feel special to him and his life.
Dick Tayler , Waikouaiti
My condolences to the Higgins family.
John will be sadly missed by all his friends for his humour,kindness and friendship.
I have known Higgyalong time and will miss his face when arriving at the Cosmo for the races with Dad and Dave.
His greetings in the morningat breakfast pretending to be the Chef.WEe will also miss the laughs at the bar especially when he turned up in his pink shirt.
Xmas time for me was special, spendingtime with Glenn and Antoinette Pratt and family.The laughs ,jokes,singing,wine drinking and of coursea lovely Xmas meal after which followed the annual tradition of the game COLONEL HUFF! of which you were the ring leader.
Thanks for thee many memories, you will be sadly missed.

Until we meet again Millsy
Blair MILLS, Christchurch
I met Higgy back in 2019 on the tiny plane to Westport which had taken off from Wellington in bad conditions making it pretty nerve-wracking for everyone on board. Higgy naturally made light of the situation, distracting us all from the plane being thrown about in the clouds. There was a lot of talk about his upcoming ‘pension party’ and before long, we were all having a laugh.
From then, there was always the odd catch up at the Cos, awaiting Higgy coming down the stairs bang on 6pm and chatting about what new Peter Alexander PJs we had bought. And I’ll never forget drinks at OGB in Christchurch where he insisted on his Asahi beer in the appropriate cold Asahi glass and made a real point about it!
The Cos won’t be the same without Higgy, he was part of the decor and will leave a big hole there, and in Westport.
Condolences to Higgy’s family and friends.
Kat McCormick, Westport