Daniel "Dan" Scott Higgins

Hailey - Daniel "Dan" Scott Higgins, 53, of Hailey, ID, passed away on Thursday, October 30th, surrounded by family and friends with Waylon Jennings playing in the background. Born July 21, 1972, in Great Falls, MT, he called places as far flung as Missoula, MT, Lake Tahoe, CA, and even Denali, AK home before settling in Idaho's Wood River Valley. On a wild hair, during a road trip resulting in a stopover in Ketchum, ID, to visit a close friend, he never left. He quickly formed enduring friendships and became a beloved member of the community.

Dan worked in construction for many years, where his creativity and good nature served him and his clients incredibly well. He eventually switched careers, joining Sun Valley Bronze, once again building amazing relationships with clients near and far while forming life-long friendships. All the while, Dan was the consummate family man whose love of building things endured, and he built their first family home in Bellevue, ID, for his wife and young twin boys. Years later, they relocated to Hailey, ID, where they created a home base for everyone. Even after being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, he remained a one-man welcoming committee to his boys' best friends every day at lunchtime until they graduated high school. To this day, all those friends call Dan their second dad.

Dan loved the outdoors, a seasoned bird and elk hunter who eventually turned his full energy to fishing of all types, most fondly at he and his sister's family cabin near Cascade, MT. Anyone who knew him understood that 'Tague's Place' was his happy place. The family spent many weeks there over the last 10 years - upon arrival at 'The River' he left the burden of cancer behind. Family and friends united in a collective effort that created a sanctuary where his mark can never be erased.

While anyone who knew him knew that his sharp wit and sense of humor would sooner or later leave them in stitches of laughter, Dan's devotion to family was the most memorable part of his character. His twin sons, Tague and Luke, were his whole world, and with his wife Shelly, they raised hard-working, empathetic, and talented young men. As someone who so many times helped others build the homes that they wanted, the twins remain his most precious and proud creations.

Dan is survived by his wife; Shelly Higgins, his sons; Tague Higgins and Luke Higgins, his parents; Sandra Turnbull and N. Richard Higgins (Judy) Higgins, his sister; Suzi (Geoff) Curtis, his nieces; Siena Curtis and Lucy Curtis, stepbrothers and sister, and lifelong best friend Dave Sullivan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Reel Recovery or Hospice and Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley.

A Celebration of Life for Dan will be held on November 22, 2025 and more details will be available at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.