Sadness at the passing of Sue Higgins

I was very sad to hear of the passing on Sunday February 16 of the incredible, indefatigable Sue Higgins.

Sue served as an alderman (or, as she preferred, “alderbroad”) for 21 years, from 1977-1983, and again from 1986-2001. Always a voice of the citizen, she ensured that every penny was spent well.

In an age of polished politics and spin, Sue was always straight-talking and blunt, using her own form of colourful language. But under that tough exterior, she had a deep love for this city and for everyone in it.

Her personal story is also deeply inspiring. At a time when the job of alderman was considered part-time--and paid a pittance--she took it on full-time, working crazy hours for nothing but a desire to make the community better. Having lost her husband, she did it as a single mother of three. Times were tough, and she could have done just about anything else, but she persevered.

One of my favourite moments as Mayor was when I went to visit Sue at the hospice in 2012. I had heard she wasn’t doing well, and I wanted to discuss naming something in the city after her--since I believe you should not wait until someone passes to honour their legacy. I was a bit nervous about having this conversation with her, given how tough she was, but it was one of the touchpoints of my life.

Although I'd come armed with a few ideas of my own, she suggested renaming the former Southland Park. She had not always been in favour of this off-leash area, but was convinced by the hard work and advocacy of the community. She liked that it would be a symbol of her changing her mind.

We spoke for hours that day. She told me what I was doing right and wrong, and she gave me invaluable advice on how to serve Calgarians.

I’ll miss her. Calgary will miss her. But we all benefit from her legacy.

- Mayor Naheed K. Nenshi