C. Adair "Higs" Hilligoss

Thanks for all the years of good music and community service. Ken Herman

I was one of the six majorettes in 1965-66 for Columbia River High School. The CRHS band led the Hazel Dell Parade in 1965 and Mr. Hilligoss was so proud of the whole band. We all practiced for months. The band also march in the Rose Festival with honors. We all have wonderful memories and I carry that pride in my heart that he taught us today. We all learned how to keep "in step"

Hilligoss Family: I am a graduate of CRHS (1969) and wish to pay my respects to Mr. Hilligoss by signing this guest book. I was sad to learn of his passing earlier in this month. May I share that I was not a band member, nor a baton twirler, only a lucky student to have been a witness to his ever-present CRHS spirit, commitment and zest for wanting the best for all the students he came in contact with, as well as within the community. He was a leader like no other when looking back all...

Higs and I (band director and choir director) opened the music department at CRHS in 1962. I was a second year teacher, and Higs was my model and "guidance counselor" during those years we worked together. I had the opportunity to substitute teach for him while he was interning for his district director job, and I again appreciated how he trained his students in the true discipline of instrumental music.
He is a legend, and I am proud to have been a co-worker and friend.
Condolences...

Sadly, I just learned of "Higs" passing this afternoon. Fortunately, I saw him a year or so ago at Beaches restaurant in Vancouver. What a great guy. I was one of his spoiled baton twirlers (class of '79). He had an impact on the lives of many students. Now, having been in education for over 20 years myself, I can say that he truly was a dedicated, passionate man that loved his work with students. I know he will be missed. Also, I am proud to be a Camas High School Papermaker, with a...

Doug/Peggy. I am so saddened with the loss of your Dad and my dear dear friend. I am so lucky to have been able to work and teach with Adair all those years at Central Office.
When I first came to VSD in 1980 as the new Athletic Director/Physical Education, I was immediately asked what I thought about the band using Kiggins Bowl. In past it was not ever used to practice on, only for games. I said, by all means practice on it--it's for kids!! From that day on your Dad and I were the...

Great memories are what Higgs gave to us all. I remember the parades we marched in, the all city musicals, pep band and stage band. I will always remember Higgs as a great music teacher and for the love he shared with us all! Thank You Higgs!

Russ Steele Class of 1970

I worked for Higs as an elementary music teacher. He was the Best!
That huge laugh of his, and his sense of humor helped in any situation. Vancouver can never fully measure what he did for music and for the community. He was indeed just perfect for his jobThe angels are smiling and welcoming him.

If ever there was a "Music Man" he truly was Mr. Hilligoss! He inspired a whole community to take pride in their kids and inspired those kids, myself being one of them, to take pride in themselves and in being part of something larger than themselves--to be a member of the CRHS Marching Band! From the classy uniforms to the shiny instruments, to concert competitions, to the football fields and parade routes, Higs had our attention (and if he didn't . . . he got it quick enough!). Even...