Samuel L. Higginbottom

1921 - 2016

HIGGINBOTTOM, SAMUEL L., a long time aviation executive peacefully passed away at his home on November 13th, 2016. A resident of Miami-Dade County, Sam Higginbottom was born to Samuel and Vera Higginbottom in North Lawrence, Ohio on Oct. 5, 1921. Along with his twin sister, Helen they were the oldest of 5 children including another set of twins, Jane and June and his brother Jim. He graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Civil Engineering and served in World War II where he was awarded the Bronze Star and achieved the rank of Captain. After the war, Sam Higginbottom began his career in aviation at TWA climbing the ranks of leadership before moving to Miami where he joined Eastern Airlines. While at Eastern, he served as President, CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors. Upon leaving Eastern, he became Chairman, President and CEO of Rolls-Royce N.A. (an aircraft engine manufacturer) until his retirement in 1986. Sam Higginbottom was also awarded Honorary Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. During his long business career, Sam Higginbottom served on numerous Boards including: the Columbia University Board of Trustees where he was Chairman from 1986 to 1989; British Aerospace Holdings; Amerifirst Bank; St. Thomas University where he was named Trustee Emeritus. He also received the Thomas Egleston Medal for Distinguished Engineering Achievement from Columbia University and was serving on the Board of HEICO Corporation at the time of his death. Sam lived a very beautiful life surrounded by family and many true friends. A member of Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club and Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, he was an avid fisherman, golfer and tennis player who also enjoyed playing poker. He loved to read and was a great cook, as well. The proud patriarch of a large family whom he dearly loved, Sam Higginbottom was always able to balance business and family. He lived his life to the fullest always based on fairness, honesty and high standards that will be an example to his family for years to come. He will always be remembered as a man of honor, goodwill and high accomplishments. Sam is the beloved husband of his wife Jana, father of SL (Cynthia) Higginbottom, Fair Higginbottom and Rowan (Alan) Maclaren. Step-father of Guilherme, Geana and Bruna Sieburger. Grandfather of Max Maclaren, Fair Rowan (Rodrigo) Vassoler, William (Catherine) Higginbottom, Sam (Jackie) Higginbottom, Logan (Dominic) DiGiovanni, Jake (Theresa) Higginbottom, Jonah Higginbottom, Keziah Higginbottom and Atticus Ambler. Great grandfather of Rowan, Logan Alana, Evelyn, Logan, Gabe, Vic, Penny, Samantha, Charlotte, Frank, Cynthia, Vera, Alistair and Jude. Brother of Jim (Patty) Higginbottom. The owner of Fergus, his dog. He is pre-deceased by his first wife, Fair and grandson, Marine Sargent Guppy Higginbottom. Immense gratitude to Dr. Hilton Gomes and his kind staff. Many thanks to the caring people of Vitas who have helped so much with Sam's care during the last months of his life. Special thanks for the continued support of Larry and Arlene Mendelson and to all the dear friends that loved him and accompanied his journey. A Memorial Service will be conducted at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church located at 14260 Old Cutler Rd, Palmetto Bay, FL 33158 on Friday, 11/18/2016 at 2pm with private inurnment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Columbia University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC).