Lynn Brent Higgs

1946 - 2015

Our loving, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Lynn Brent Higgs, 68, passed from mortality on March 1, 2015. Just hours before quickly and unexpectedly slipping away, he was surrounded by his close family who will miss him dearly. Lynn was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Veloy Groves and Dell Hardman Higgs on June 4, 1946. His sister, Lorinda, and his cousin (who was like a brother), Larry Groves, grew up together in Bountiful, Utah. Lynn developed his talent at the piano and played at Bountiful High School dances in a group named "The 8 Teens." Lynn had a passion for learning and was inspired by his high school physics teacher. Lynn went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Utah. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country for two years.
After his return from service, Lynn married the late Rosemary Elizabeth Smith on June 25, 1971, in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with three children (two daughters and a son). While raising his young family, Lynn obtained a master's degree in physics from the University of Utah. Lynn's passion for education and teaching inspired him to take a position at his alma mater as the Undergraduate Advisor for the Physics Department. One of his colleagues said of him: "He was the face of the department for almost all the new students over the past 40 years, and he worked enthusiastically and tirelessly to build the human and compassionate side of the Physics Department." In addition to advising, Lynn was a dedicated and enthusiastic astronomy instructor. For decades, Lynn inspired students in the classroom through interactive and hands-on learning, opening their eyes to the wonders of the Universe and the elegance of its governing laws. Lynn loved to teach and has influenced the lives of thousands of students throughout his career.
While greatly interested in the vast expanse of the Universe, he was most focused on the details of the lives of those who meant the world to him--his family. After the passing of his wife, Rosemary, Lynn was a single father for five years before he married Sue Anne Angerbauer on August 10, 1984, in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed to add two more sons to their family. Lynn was a loving husband whose highest concern was his wife's wellbeing and comfort. He always put the needs of others before his own. He was a devoted father who encouraged with kindness, valued exceptional learning, and supported every aspect of his children's lives. As a grandfather, Lynn dedicated his energy to family activities, such as birthday parties, programs, performances, and monthly gatherings at restaurants. His greatest joys were spending time with his children and grandchildren and taking pride in their accomplishments.
Lynn was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a strong testimony of the restored Gospel and of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He enjoyed serving as gospel doctrine teacher and, for many years, as ward choir director. Above all, Lynn loved, served, and prayed over his family as an exemplary husband, father, and grandfather.
Lynn is preceded in death by his first wife, Rosemary, and mother, Veloy. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Sue, children Elizabeth (John) McConkie, Rebecca (Timothy) Plaizier, Daniel (Lisa) Higgs, Thomas (Angie, fiancée) Higgs, Nathan Higgs, and 12 grandchildren. He is also survived by his father, Dell (Doris Pearson) Higgs, sister, Lorinda (Dave) Anderson, and cousin, Larry (Gail) Groves. Viewings will be held at Russon Brothers Mortuary (295 N. Main St., Bountiful, UT) on Sunday, March 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Monday, March 9, at the Mueller Park 1st Ward (850 E. 1800 S., Bountiful, UT) from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 9, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mueller Park 1st Ward. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com.