Walt Higbee

Higbee, Walt, of San Clemente, passed away peacefully at home November 16, with complications following pneumonia. Joan, his wife of 62 years, was by his side. He is also survived by sons, Barry and Brad, and his grandson Chris. He was 85. Walt was born in L.A. October 24, 1925, and also lived in Pico Riviera. During World War II he enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 and served on the USS Hornet. After the war he attended Pasadena City College (where he met and married Joan) and Whittier College, and obtained a Masters Degree from USC. A lifelong educator, he launched his career in Whittier as a teacher and Vice Principal. He was a Principal in Rosemead for 14 years until his retirement. He also officiated high school and college football, basketball and baseball. After living in Fullerton for 31 years Walt and Joan retired to San Clemente in 1988 – where he dearly loved the ocean views and friendly people. Walt and the family traveled the U.S., and he and his wife saw the world. Walt also loved his other "family" at the San Clemente Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon and Usher. Walt was modest and personable, and liked to laugh. Seeing others laugh and smile was the central theme in his life. In fact, he often insisted on it – at church, strolling along Ave. Del Mar, the beauty salon for his hair cut, in the produce section at the El Camino Ralph's or the checkout line at Albertsons, the drug store, the doughnut shop, and with the many friendly faces at the Bank of America. A Celebration of his life will be held Friday, December 10 at 3:00 pm in the Chapel at San Clemente Presbyterian Church. The family would be grateful for donations in Walt's name to the Orange County Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association (17771 Cowan, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92614 or online at www.alz.org/oc). And as Walt might say, in lieu of flowers make someone smile.