John Higgins

It is with profound sadness that the family of W. John Higgins announce his passing at the age of 76, on April 9, 2026. With his humour and wit intact to the very end, John passed peacefully at home. His high school sweetheart and wife of almost 59 years, Trudy (Yardley) Higgins, was with him at his passing, along with his son and daughter.

Born and raised in St Stephen, John was deeply rooted in the community. He was a dedicated member of the Lions Club and lent his voice to a variety of community events. He operated Higgins Dry Cleaners and The Sugar Sand Store and was a trusted and well‑loved salesman at Moffitt Dodge.

But it was behind a microphone that John became a familiar and beloved voice. He delighted listeners as a talented radio personality on WQDY and The Tide and brought that same charm and quick wit to CHCO television with his show, John Higgins, Live. With a talent for putting people at ease and engaging them in meaningful conversation, John used humour and warmth to bring interesting and entertaining stories to our community.

John was adventurous by nature and happiest when on the move. As a boy, he spent cherished days in Rolling Dam visiting his grandparents and riding horses. As a young father, he shared his love of the outdoors with his family—boating and camping in the summer, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. A licensed fixed-wing pilot, John found pure joy in the air with the St. Croix Valley Flying Club.

John and Trudy travelled widely together. His favourite trips were to California to visit Dana and his family.  But John was always happy to be back home, often commenting that the most beautiful view was overlooking the St Croix. For the past several years, John could be found on his balcony enjoying the river view.

John was predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Edith Higgins (McAleenan), and his sister Patricia Dupuis. He is deeply missed by his loving wife, Trudy (Yardley) Higgins; his son Dana and daughter‑in‑law Tammie; his daughter Lana and son‑in‑law Tod; his cherished granddaughters Jessica, Sara, Tyler Jane, Jordan, and Carlyn; and his treasured great‑granddaughters Vivian, Cienna, and Isabela. He will be lovingly remembered by extended family, with special thanks to niece Lynn Barron and to his dear sister-in-law, Pauline Devlin.

Special thanks to the caring and supportive neighbours at River Street Retirement Community, especially good buddy, Gary Sharpe, to Dr. Wildish, Dr. Mackin, and the staff of extramural and palliative care.

A service will be held for John on May 20, 2026, at The S.O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home Ltd., 23 Main Street, St Stephen, N.B. at 2 PM. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on May 20 from 12- 2 PM.

For those who wish, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Charlotte County Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mehanfuneralhome.ca