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JACK RAYMOND HIGNELL
Born: Sep 28, 1930
Date of Passing: Apr 11, 2015
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JACK RAYMOND HIGNELL September 28, 1930 - April 11, 2015 Jack died peacefully at home on Saturday, April 11, 2015, surrounded by his devoted family. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Grace and Russell, and his brother Bruce. Left to celebrate his memory are his loving wife of 62 years, Elsie; sons, Raymond (Barbara) and Robert (Cory); and daughter Jane (Jeff). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jason (Erin), Steve, Brad (Jessica), Leslie, Kelsi (Jeff), Jacob and Isaac Friesen; great-grandchildren, Jackson Hignell and Olivia Hignell-King; his sister Velma Ferns (Don) and numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was born in Winnipeg, and attended Gordon Bell High School, where he enjoyed playing football, track and field, and performing in operettas. As a cadet he acquired his pilot's license and played trombone in the band. He graduated with a B.A. from the University of Manitoba (United College) and later earned a C.I.M. from the U. of M. He was president of Hignell Printing for 20 years until its sale in 1988. A steadfast volunteer, Jack was president of various community and business organizations, including the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Winnipeg West, Probus, the Canadian Institute of Management (Manitoba), and printing organizations. He was actively involved with a number of charities dear to his heart, including Crippled Children and Adults of Manitoba (now SMD), Independent Living Resource Centre, Doray Enterprises, and at the lake, LOWDPOA and the local roads board. In 1984, Jack was appointed Honorary British Consul in Winnipeg and served for 12 years. In 1996, he was on the Queen's Honour List and was awarded an O.B.E. in London, England. He respected the British diplomats with whom he worked and valued his lasting relationship with them. Although not religious, he had strong moral convictions and a sense of fair play. His twisted sense of humour delighted everyone. Jack was a good husband and father who truly valued his marriage and his family. Jack lived his life with enthusiasm, heli-skiing the Bugaboos, hiking the Athabasca pass, paddling the Nahanni River, NWT, and taking his sons and grandsons on canoe trips. Jack and Elsie spent their summers at Lake of the Woods where he loved to windsurf, waterski, and sail. Only once was he stymied, burying the mast in the muddy bottom of Deception Bay. He loved skiing, be it water or snow, and a part of him will always be in the mountains and at the lake. A skier to the end, Jack made his last turns at Alta, Utah in 2013 with his ski chums. Jack enjoyed duplicate bridge and poker. He and Elsie valued many decades spent as members of their volleyball group, where friendships mattered more than athletic ability. He was also an avid traveller, visiting six continents with Elsie. He lived a full life, pushed the envelope, and in the end, made things better. We cherished him and will miss him dearly. Jack never complained about his numerous health problems nor did he let them interfere with skiing. A celebration of Jack's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 19, 2015, at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, the many homecare workers, the WRHA, the frontline HSC staff and those behind the scenes, and every hospital emergency ward in the City of Winnipeg (all of which Jack managed to visit over the years). In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack's memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or The Winnipeg Foundation, 1 Lombard Place #1350, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X5. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2015
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Elsie and family, I was saddened to hear of Jack's passing. My memories are as a long time business friend of my father's. The skiing is still wonderful here in Banff, my next run will be dedicated to Jack. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Deb Boutilier (family friend) on: Apr 30, 2015
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My husband Gordie spoke often of his visit to your cottage Rob. He valued your friendship. Your father lived through many people. My condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Maggie Ashcroft (Widow of one of Rob's co-workers) on: Apr 26, 2015
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Jack was a very good friend to my Dad Clint Fogg. He kept in touch with him even when Dad moved to BC to live with my husband Dave and me. We appreciated his friendship very much. It was difficult for Dad to leave Winnipeg at 84 years old where he had lived his whole life, and it was nice of Jack to keep in touch with him so he knew he wasn't forgotten. Jack helped get The Clint Fogg Christmas party for kids organized in the Rotary Club. This made my Dad very proud. Elsie, I remember babysitting for Ray and Robert so many years ago. You were great neighbors for us to have on Queenston St. I have lots of good memories of this time. My brother Barry sent me Jack's obituary. He was such a kind giving man who also loved fun and adventure. What a wonderful, big family you have for support I send deep sympathy to you and the family. - Posted by: Deanne (Fogg) MacMillan (Neighbour on Queenston Street and my Dad's friend in Rotary) on: Apr 25, 2015
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Dear Dad. As I mourn our loss, I choose to celebrate your life, albeit through the tears. Those tears help me realize how lucky and proud I was to have had you as my Dad. You’ve set the bar high. You live on in all of us. Rob and Family - Posted by: Rob Hignell (Son) on: Apr 21, 2015
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Jack was a very friendly and loving Man, Husband, Father and Grampa. Whenever I saw Jack, he always had a smile on his face and always had time to talk to you. To me, Jack was a big teddy bear. Don't get me wrong, Jack could be stern when he needed to be but to me he was a teddy bear. Jack will be missed by all that knew and loved him but he will always be in our "HEARTS". - Posted by: Karen Bayes (Sister-in-law to Rob & Cory Hignell) on: Apr 20, 2015
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We just read about Jack's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Jack was a gentleman with a great sense of humor who always had something interesting to say. Over the years, we enjoyed seeing him and having a chat at family functions. Our thoughts are with you. The McDevitt Family - Posted by: Kim (McDevitt) Coxe (Cousin through marriage) on: Apr 19, 2015
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The world has lost a beautiful spirit! The twinkle in Jack's eyes will never be forgotten. His zest for living was amazing! We are blessed to have known him, and remember all the fun we had at the B.I.L. parties. Jack's wonderful legacy will live on in his family and we offer them our deepest and most heartfelt condolences in their great loss. - Posted by: Ken and Linda Boughton (Friend and P.E.O. Sister) on: Apr 19, 2015
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Had many visits at the "Hignell's cottage". Jack was always kind and considerate. I admired that he would listen with earnest....a wonderful quality of many. My condolences to the family. With love.....Erik - Posted by: Erik Thomassen (Friend) on: Apr 18, 2015
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Jack was an amazing man to work for. Truly compassionate and very understanding. I so enjoyed working with him for the British Consulate. Elsie my thoughts are with you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss and know that my prayers are with you all - Posted by: Shirley MacDonald (old employee) on: Apr 18, 2015
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