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Richard Frederick Higgins Sr.
Richard Frederick Higgins Sr.
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Richard Higgins Obituary
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May 6, 2011
May 6, 2011
My father, Richard Higgins was a kind and generous man who loved his family with all his heart, and selflessly made many sacrifices. He was no stranger to hard work and never missed a day in his 47 years with the Maine Central Railroad. Just imagine that before he was 40 years of age he was supporting 16 people, an overwhelming and incomprehensible responsibility which he took very seriously. I remember noticing once when he was getting ready for work, during an extremely dark and cold, winter night in Maine most of which he would spend outside, that he did not have the proper footwear, he did not have the heavy duty, warm work boots he needed. He was wearing some thin rubber black zippered galoshes, which he was stuffing with newspaper for warmth and insulation and wrapping his shoes in garbage bags to keep dry. Those images have stayed with me and I remember looking at him and thinking, this is heartbreaking, he has to go out in that hideous freezing night without the right stuff and he is just very quietly doing the best he can to take care of himself with the materials he had at hand, in order to do the work he had to do to take care of all of us. Let us not think our lives were all sweetness and light, however, with humility, grace and no complaining, just suiting up and showing up for nearly half a century....
That's my Dad.....Bless his heart!
He leaves a legacy of love, dedication to his family and service to his community.
Kind regards to all and thank you for your well wishes and prayers.
Sincerely,
Valerie Higgins,
The Leader of the Pack
Alameda, CA
May 6, 2011
May 6, 2011
My father, Richard Higgins was a kind and generous man who loved his family with all his heart, and selflessly made many sacrifices. He was no stranger to hard work and never missed a day in his 47 years with the Maine Central Railroad. Just imagine that before he was 40 years of age he was supporting 16 people, an overwhelming and incomprehensible responsibility which he took very seriously. I remember noticing once when he was getting ready for work, during an extremely dark and cold, winter night in Maine most of which would be spent outside, that he did not have the proper footwear, he did not have the heavy duty, warm work boots he needed. He was wearing some thin rubber black zippered galoshes, which he was stuffing with newspaper for warmth and insulation and wrapping his shoes in garbage bags to keep dry. Those images have stayed with me and I remember looking at him and thinking, this is heartbreaking, he has to go out in that hideous freezing night without the right stuff and he is just very quietly doing the best he could to take care of himself with the materials he had at hand, in order to do the work he had to do to take care of all of us. With humility, grace and no complaining, just suiting up and showing up for nearly half a century....
That's my Dad.....Bless his heart!
He leaves a legacy of love, dedication to his family and to service to his community.
Kind regards to all and thank you for your well wishes and prayers.
Valerie Higgins,
The Leader of the Pack
Alameda, CA
Beth Reeves Austin
April 29, 2011
I have so many memories of the kind generous man Dick was! It never mattered how many people were at the house I always felt welcome. I'll never forget all the big boxes of food. We were never hungry! His kind smile always imprinted on my mind. What a beautiful legacy of family he has left behind. I'm sure he is looking on very proud of his greatest accomplishments!
Ann Birmingham
April 26, 2011
I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. My sincere condolences to all of your family.
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Jennifer Nichols
April 18, 2011
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Higgins. What great neighbors growing up. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
Inez Brown
April 18, 2011
I remember when I was little and Dick would go past our Camp at Green Lake. He would always Blow the Whistle and wave to all us kids. He was so cool
Teresa Brown
April 16, 2011
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the wonderful family of Dick. You are in our prayers and thoughts. God bless each of you.
davida willette
April 16, 2011
i want to send my deepest condolenses to hilda and her children
Mark Reeves
April 16, 2011
Mr. Higgins and the whole Higgins family represent some of my favorite childhood memories. Memories of visiting them on Fruit Street after Sunday mass and their presence at sporting events make me smile. They were very close family friends and he and my Dad loved to play cribbage together. Was amazing person. Condolences to Higgins Family from Mark and the whole Reeves Family. He will be missed!
William Cahillane
April 16, 2011
Consider myself blessed to have shared breakfast at his kitchen table. Prayers for his soul and for his family continue.
Richard & Beth Florey
April 16, 2011
I'll miss seeing Dick at the meetings. Know that he'll be in our prayers. God bless.
April 15, 2011
Dick was an excellent role model for many, many people. We offer our sincere condolence to his wonderful family. May be rest in peace.
Ronald and Elaine Cummings (The Villages, Florida
Admirer
April 15, 2011
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Dick indeed did leave much love..May God continue to bless the entire Higgins Family and touch each of thier hearts with his healing hand..
Albert & Dottie Sockbeson
April 15, 2011
To My Families other Family, God Bless. You're in my thoughts and prayers. He is a great man and a pleasure knowing.
April 15, 2011
Tim,Marsha & the rest of the Higgins family, Bruce & I would like to send our condolences to you all, We know how close you were to your father, and you were all very blessed to have him. Cherish those memories.
Our thoughts & prayers are with all of the Higgins family.
Love Beth & Bruce Stetson
April 15, 2011
Alsion and family, Iam sorry for your loss. I was one of many cna's who took car of Richard. He was every special man I will miss him. All my prayers. Elaine Leavitt Newport,Maine
Bill Elliott
April 14, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bob Cushing
April 14, 2011
There was no better man then Dick we will never forget his smile & kindness to everyone he new may God rest his sole .
April 14, 2011
The Ashman family was saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Higgins. In January of 1976 our family with 5 young children moved into the neighborhood and Mr. Higgins sent a "few" of his children and if I remember correctly, a nephew to help us move in. It was that kindness that we have never forgotten. Rest in Peace Mr. Higgins and our sincerest condolences to his family.
Jim, Mary Ellen, James, Mary, John, Desmond and Geraldine Ashman
April 14, 2011
i have known the Higgins family for many years as did my parents. Honorable and giving are the 2 words that come to my mind. I am sorry for everyone, especially to my friend Bill and his wife Maria. I will pray for you and the family. God bless you and ease your pain. Keith
April 14, 2011
Valerie and family, I was deeply saddened when I heard of Dick's passing. I have many happy memories of visits to your home and your visits to our home and this brought a smile. The first memory to come to mind was of dad and Dick sitting on kitchen chairs facing each other bent over with their arms on their legs telling stories( they're probably doing that now). I hope your memories bring you comfort at this time and maybe a smile. With love and sympathy, Rosemary (Higgins) Brown
Elizabeth Higgins
April 14, 2011
Although you are greatly missed, I take comfort in the fact that you are at peace now. Your selflessness and generosity will never be forgotten and no one will ever be able to fill your shoes. You are forever in my heart and prayers.
Love, Elizabeth
Missy Greeley Tasker
April 14, 2011
What a wonderful man and absolutely amazing family! My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all. You will always be considered my second family. Please wrap your arms tightly around each other today and consider it a big hug from me during this very difficult time. I'm sure Dick is watching you all from heaven with lots of love and pride in his sparkly blue eyes. With Much Love, Missy Greeley Tasker and family
Betty Veysey
April 14, 2011
Hello Allison, So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Also sorry to have lost contact with you over the years. Where do they go ? I remember you so fondly, take care and God Bless. Betty Veysey
Janet Higgins
April 14, 2011
I feel blessed and honored having known him...
Michelle Smith
April 14, 2011
Susie and Higgins Family,
Sending you all love and sympathy in the passing of your dad. He was a special guy to our family and will be greatly missed by all.
Love,
Michelle Quinn Smith
Carl, Cullen, Nolan & Kailey Smith
Derek & Sherri Watson
April 14, 2011
Allison, Kurt, Lauren, & Sorrell-We are so very sorry to hear about your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Derek & Sherri
April 14, 2011
Thinking of you Dick and sending sympathies.
Bob Quinn
Larry J McNally
April 14, 2011
Mike and Linda and I all loved Mr Higgins.
He put a lot of love into the world and it lives on.
Love and prayers from The McNallys
April 14, 2011
Your Husband and Father was a wonderfull person. May you have peace in knowing he is in a better place now. Jack Lounsbury
Brenda Sacino
April 14, 2011
Sending my love to the Higgins family
I feel very lucky to have met so many of the wonderful people that I'm certain Dick was so proud to call his children
Hoping all the special memories will help you through thus difficult time.
Brenda (Frenda) Sacino
Cathy Viel
April 14, 2011
Jennifer, my deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marian Higgins
April 14, 2011
Will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. I remember all the good times with visits across the border.
April 14, 2011
Worked with Dick on the old Maine Central,great guy and he will be missed.Bless you all-Rich & Marge Strang
John and Marcia Diamond
April 14, 2011
We are very sorry to read of Mr. Higgins's passing. He was a wonderful person who, along with Mrs. Higgins, were great role models and raised a wonderful family. Please accept our deepest condolences.
The Diamonds
Molly Zubik
April 14, 2011
We will miss your sweet smile. Thank you for bringing life and showing love to such an amazing chain of people.
Love you Grampy.
Molly Rae
kevin cyr
April 14, 2011
My condolences to the Higgin family.
Kevin Cyr
April 14, 2011
You are in my thoughts and prayers, at this sad time. God Bless
Michele (Nadeau) Hogan
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