David Lynn Higbee

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, David Lynn Higbee, passed away on March 28th, in the morning, surrounded by family, after a long and valiant struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

David was a man of faith who rarely complained, even as his own burdens grew heavier. He was always the first to step forward to help those in need. His kindness was not loud or performative, but it was steady, reliable, and deeply felt by those around him.

Those who knew David understood that his life cannot be measured simply in accomplishments. He achieved much, yet cared little for the accolades of this world. His genius was in how he cared: quietly, consistently, and without expectation of recognition.

David lived an exemplary life defined by devotion to family, quiet strength, enduring faith, and hard work. Though Parkinson’s gradually took hold of his body, it never diminished the heart that defined him. Over the course of his life, he survived two heart attacks and overcame heart disease—defying the odds through sheer discipline, resilience, and an unwavering will to live.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 51 years, Annette Wilson Higbee, whom he married in the Provo LDS Temple for time and all eternity on December 20, 1974. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, and family, raising nine children—Madelyn, David (Evangelina Teves), Melanie, Mark, Andrea (Brandon Craig), Andrew, Kristin (Brenden Hartigan), John, and Janessa—and welcoming 21 grandchildren, each of whom carries forward a part of his legacy.

In addition to his devotion to family, David quietly changed the lives of many—often when no one else would step forward. He took people in when they had nowhere else to go, gave when others held back, and helped restore the health of those who had lost hope through his intentional and disciplined approach to living well, even when times were tough. Indeed, he was a true disciple—not only of Jesus Christ, but also of writers like Viktor Frankl and James Allen—whose teachings he imparted generously.

David was often told, especially by his wife, that he possessed a rare ability: to love and serve anyone, no matter how rough around the edges. Those struggling with addiction, those wandering without direction, or those down on their luck found in David something they could not find elsewhere: dignity, patience, and a belief that they were still worth saving, often through discipline and tough love.

His commitment to health—often expressed through rather drastic nutrient-based recipes—and his unwavering, Navy SEAL–like discipline reflected principles he developed as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Calgary, Canada.

David was a seasoned tenor and musician, and he cultivated this love of music in his home and in his children. Entirely self-taught on both guitar and piano, he and Annette filled their home with choral and piano music. With his student loan, he bought Annette a Kawai piano—their first piece of furniture—which became a mainstay and gathering place in the Higbee home for over 40 years, where family and friends would come together in song. His duets with Mom created memories that will echo for generations.

Though Parkinson’s eventually took his ability to sing and play, it could never take the music and love he gave to those around him, including the tenacious love of song and the many heartfelt voices that the David and Annette Higbee clan carry forward.

There was no situation—no matter how difficult or complex—that he was unwilling to step into to resolve, whether for humans animals. We would be remiss if we did not mention the many cats and dogs in heaven who, after a brief stint as strays, were taken in by David and came to be beloved members of the family.

A lifelong student of many sciences and disciplines, David began his college career intending to go into medicine. He soon recognized that a medical degree was not necessary for him to help people and shifted his focus to eventually earn a Master of Business Administration from the University of Utah. He was affectionately known as “Doc Higbee” by many UTA bus drivers, whom he supported and protected from the many risks of their demanding work.

He had a mind that was as curious as it was generous. Many of his nine children can revisit numerous deeply philosophical and spiritual contexts through which he examined life and God, with a keen and high-functioning mind and an appreciation of God’s love.

Another undeniable talent David had was acknowledging the unique needs of each of his children, giving them the attention they needed, while also holding space to love his grandchildren equally. Mom and Dad often spoke about how unique and special each of their children are. Dad taught each of his children important lessons, including how to problem-solve, work hard, be resourceful, and believe their abilities are greater than their obstacles.

While we will miss him dearly, we take comfort in the knowledge that he has been reunited with his son, Mark Lynn Higbee, who passed in 2006, as well as his parents and many loved ones who departed before him. We take comfort in imagining that joyful reunion and in knowing that he is now free from the limitations he endured in his body.

Though one might assume his heart was debilitated by heart attacks, those who knew him best would say the opposite: he was always defiant of negative outcomes and had a strong heart that could never be dissuaded from a goal he chose to pursue. In difficult situations, David developed a deep understanding and grew in compassion. His belief in human ingenuity was constant—and he was, above all, a patient man.

His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the values he instilled in us, and the countless lives he touched, both seen and unseen.

He will be deeply missed, and forever remembered.

We love you, Dad, and look forward to once again hearing the sound that defined our childhood: a choir of heavenly voices with you, Mom, and all of us kids and grandkids—and whoever else will sing “If I Could Hie to Kolob” or “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”—beside Mom’s aged Kawai piano.

A special thanks to the hospice team and special friend Ariel Agüin for taking such good care of Dad.

Funeral Services will be held on April 1, 2026
222 S. 100 E.
Nephi, Utah

Viewing: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Funeral Services: 3:00 p.m.

Interment at
1200 N. 400 E.
Vine Bluff Cemetery
Nephi, Utah

The funeral services will be streamed live at:
https://evt.live/david-higbee