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Brent Higginson Obituary

Brent Dale Higginson, age 47 passed away peacefully at home on March 11, 2007, in Boise, Idaho after a 16 month battle with anemia complicated by congenital heart problems. He was born March 10, 1960 in Boise, Idaho to Max M. Higginson and Gwen Cordon Higginson. He was the fifth of five children. Although born with Downs Syndrome and a heart ailment, throughout his entire life Brent astonished many in the medical field with his accomplishments and achievements. He lived his entire life in Boise and Caldwell. Shortly after his birth, medical authorities recommended that because of his condition, he should be taken to the Hospital at the Nampa State School for long term treatment. It was predicted that Brent would be unable to ever care for himself. His parents declined, indicating it was their desire to attempt to raise Brent themselves. Brent's first few years were full of challenges and setbacks. He was very loved by his older sister and brothers who took time each day to play with him and help teaching him words and syllables. Brent surprised his doctors by continuing to accomplish the impossible. His Mother referred to him as her miracle child. Brent was an active member of the LDS Church throughout his life. As a child, he loved going to church and particularly loved going to Primary. Although he sang in a monotone voice, he loved singing the Primary songs. At age 11 he started Cub Scouts and was able to with help participate in cub scouting events. At age 12 his brother Dave went on a mission for the LDS Church in Japan. This created a great desire on Brents part to be baptized. Brent was baptized later that year. Several years later he was ordained into the Aaronic Priesthood as a Deacon and he was able to participate in passing the sacrament. Brent participated for years in the Special Olympics in various events including the softball throw, 50 yard dash, and the broad jump. He won numerous medals and his entire family was so proud of him! When Brent was 21 he graduated from Caldwell High School Special Education program. He looked great in his cap and gown. Shortly after graduation is when Brent was diagnosed with significant cardiac issues. He underwent his first open heart surgery after it was determined that he had a hole between the upper two chambers of his heart. He was given only a 50% chance of surviving the surgery. Again Brent beat the odds and recovered fully. During recovery he started walking several miles each day, then graduated to stationary bicycle and later treadmill. Throughout his life Brent expressed a great desire to go to the LDS Temple. In 1984, after the completion of the Boise Idaho LDS Temple, Brent was Ordained an Elder in the Melkezidik Priesthood and was asked by church leaders to begin volunteering at the temple. This began a miraculous and dedicated career. Brent was in the Temple almost every day and was loved by both temple officiators and attendees alike. He also loved helping in the Temple Cafeteria and loved eating there too! Brent continued working in the Temple until his cardiac condition deteriorated resulting in a second open heart surgery last year. Brent was an avid sports fan and particularly loved his Boise State Broncos. He followed their game schedule with dedication and excitement. No event was important enough to get in the way of him watching a Broncos game. Brent is survived by his father, Max M. Higginson; and his brothers and sister Maxene (Duke) Klein of Idaho Falls, Idaho, R.V. Higginson of Allyn, Wash, David K. (Miriam) Higginson of Roosevelt, Utah and Jerry (Sandi) Higginson of Mesa, Ariz.; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Gwen Cordon Higginson. The Higginson family invites all who knew and loved Brent to join them in celebrating his life and accomplishments. Viewing will be held at Relyea Funeral Chapel, 318 N. Latah, Boise, Idaho on Thursday, March 15, 2006 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 16, 2006 at 11 a.m. at the Boise South LDS Stake Center, 3200 Cassia St., Boise, Idaho officiated by Bishop Clark Dowdle of the Hillcrest Ward.

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Published by Idaho Statesman on Mar. 15, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Brent Higginson

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Jerry Higginson

March 19, 2007

To all who have signed the guestbook I would like to extend thanks on behalf of my Father Max and my Brothers and Sister and our entire family for your kind comments about Brent. He was truely an amazing person. Again Thank you!

David N. Rindal

March 17, 2007

Uncle Max, I Love You, Sir! Brent lived to see his SPECIAL 47th B.D. -HOORAY! The next day was my 58th B.D., which was just ok, but from now on my B.D.'s will be ESPECIALLY BLESSED to now share that day with the memory of My Best Buddy Brent - HOORAY!! And having his funeral on Douglas A. Freimarck's 60th B,D. will help us remember Brent again - HOORAY! May God Bless You & Keep You until you go to be re-united with your sweet Companion, Aunt Gwen, Son, Brent, & your other Eternal Family members. Please BE HAPPY - always, Your Loving Former Nephew, Deanna Marie Freimarck's Former Husband...

David N. Rindal

March 17, 2007

"In The Garden" Chorus Correction - "And He walks with me, And He talks with me, And He tells me, I am His own, And the JOY we share, as we tarry there, None other, HAS ever, KNOWN"

David N. Rindal

March 16, 2007

"Songs Dedicated To Brent & Family"
"I Belong To The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, I know who I am, I know God's Plan, I'll follow Him in Faith, I Believe in Our Saviour,"Jesus Christ", I'll Honor His Name, I'll do what is Right, I'll follow His Light, His Truth, I will Proclaim!"-(Primary)
"O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy pow'r throughout the Universe displayed,
*Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee, How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art"(*REPEAT CHORUS) &
"This World is not my home, I'm justa passin' through, My treasures are laid out, Somewhere beyond the blue, *'The Angels beckon me, From Heaven's open door, & I can't feel @ home, In this world anymore!' Oh Lord! You know, I have no friend like You, If Heaven's not my Home, Then Lord, what will I do, {*REPEAT CHORUS)" & "I come to the Garden alone, While the dew is still on the Roses, And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses! 'And He walks with me, And He talks with me, And He tells me, I am His own, And the Jow we share, As we tarry there, None other, Will ever, Know!"

David N. Rindal

March 15, 2007

Brent, I know you are doing your HEAVENLY TEACHING as I know only you can. I remember when you & I were HOME TEACHERS in 1994. You were always making sure we visited our assigned families every month. I know you missed your Mom so much that you had to go be with her. We truly do understand how hard it was for you to let her go. God granted you the desires of your heart. Now a new journey has begun. Enjoy and be Happy. I Belong To The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Uncle Max, Thank You for all you did for Brent. I pray you will be ok and that God will grant you the desires of your heart, also. Wish I could be there in person, but I will be there in spirit. Hugs & Kisses all around. Good Bye for now & I Love You Sir.

Marc Orvin

March 15, 2007

Brent was a great young man. I only got to see him infrequently as I came home to visit my folks in Caldwell. Brent added so much to their ward. What a great blessing he has been to all those souls who have met him here and to all those who he has affected through his temple work. What a great family you are to have been blessed by his life.

Kevin and Katrina Smith

March 15, 2007

Max,
We are truly sad to know that we won't see Brent again until the next life and we are sad that we won't be able to attend his funeral celebration, but wanted to send you our love and thoughts and prayers. We are actually having a baby on Friday and are comforted to know that maybe Brent got to meet our little guy before he comes to us. I'm sure the work will continue for Brent as he teaches the gospel in heaven.
Take care.
Love,
Kevin, Katrina and boys--Smith

George McClellan

March 15, 2007

Max
I was sorry to read in the Idaho Statesman of your loss of your Son.
The Higgenson Family have always been special to me as I know Brent was special to you and Gwen.

Jim and Betty Davidson

March 15, 2007

What a very special chosen person Brent was and a very great example to all of us here on earth of his strong testimony and dedicated service in the Boise Idaho Temple where he is very greatly missed but we know he is in heaven today. Thanks so much Brent for the miraculous life you lived in spite of your challenges and health.

tom bassett

March 15, 2007

Max, I am so sorry for your loss. Brent was a special, celestial guy. I hope you remember me as I was a neighbor growing up on Shoshone street. May the Lord bless you at this special time.

Tammy Dittenber

March 15, 2007

What a glorious welcome awaits your son by those for whom he did temple work. I will miss seeing him at the temple, slowing working his way to the front row, notebook always in hand. The assurance of a forever family, along with the blessings of the ordinance work he performed, must be of every comfort to you his family. Thanks to you for sharing him with the rest of us. We were blessed by him.

DEERAY SOELBERG

March 15, 2007

BRENT
I,LL MISS YOU MY FRIEND, ESPECIALLY WHILE SEEING EACH OTHER IN THE TEMPLE TOGETHER.
GOD BLESS YOU
YOUR FRIEND
DEE RAY SOELBERG

Jerry Squires

March 15, 2007

Our heartfelt condolences to our lifetime friends. How thankful we can be that Heavenly Father provides the way for us to be together - forever - as a family.
God bless,

Jerry and Cheryl (Lester) Squires

Alice Shumway

March 15, 2007

Brent, you are a truly Special Spirit and loved by all who knew you.A few times I would see you in the Temple and say to my husband how true this Gospel is if he wants to be here all the time and the Temple is as close to Heaven on Earth.I would look over and see you writing on your little notepad. Your sweet spirit and shining smile will be missed but I know you are spreading the Gospel and sunshine in your new Heavenly home.May your family be filled with sweet happy memories of you until you meet again.

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