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Thomas Robert HigginsNovember 3, 1940 - November 13, 2007
Thomas Robert Higgins passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2007 in Mount Vernon, Washington. He was born on November 3, 1940 in Westchester, Massachusetts. Tom resided in Anacortes with his wife, Gail where they enjoyed their gardening, cooking, and some special travels in recent years. Tom was the youngest son of John and Jean (Kemp) Higgins. The family moved to Anacortes in 1952 where Tom and his brother, Jack enjoyed sports, trips to the ice cream parlor and just growing up and being part of the community. Tom graduated from Anacortes High School in 1959, where he excelled as an athlete and class leader. He graduated from the University of Washington and was a lifelong UW Alumni member. He received a Master?s of Education Degree from Pacific Lutheran University. He began his career teaching English and History at Keithley Junior High in Spanaway, WA and then went into administration as a vice principal at Keithley Junior High and later was a high school principal at Friday Harbor and Rosalia, WA. Tom retired from public school education in 1991 and then operated a landscaping business with his son, Greg for several years. In his early years, Tom enjoyed all sports and in his teens and young adult years, his summers fishing in Alaska. Tom loved golf, gardening, creating Bonsai displays, and in cooking he excelled. His family will hold dear the special memories of wondrous family barbeques and holiday meals. Tom enjoyed his family above all things and he showed a special interest in what young family members were doing with their lives, goals, and education. His children, nieces, nephews, step-children, step-grandchildren, all his family and friends enjoyed his spirited jokes and laugh out loud pranks and tricks. Tom was a wonderful, kindhearted man and he will be missed immensely. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jean Higgins; sister, Janet Bynum; step-son, Brandon R. Tarbox; and step-grandchildren, Brandon J. Tarbox and Kyla May Helvey. He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Gail Ebel-Higgins; daughter, Kimberlee Higgins of Sedro-Woolley; son, Greg Higgins of Anacortes; brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Julie Higgins of Redmond; mother of his children, Sharon Higgins of Friday Harbor; mother-in-law, Viola Savage of Anacortes; sisters-in-law and spouse, Joyce Ebel of Anacortes, Lynn and Jim Wade of Yuma, AZ; brother-in-law, Mike and Lois Ebel of Anchorage, AK and their families; nieces and nephews and spouses, Keith and Peggy Bynum of Brentwood, CA, Jeff Bynum of San Ramon, CA, Dan Bynum of Kent, Susan and Bill Baker of Bend, OR, Michelle and Kelly Hill of CleElum, Scott Higgins of South Korea, Mallory Higgins of Redmond; grand-nieces, Janette Bynum of San Antonio, TZ, Brittney Bynum of Kent, Jennifer and Keisha Bynum of CA; great-grand-nephew, Robert Bynum; step-children, Billy and Angie Tarbox, Brenda and Ron Helvey; step-grandchildren, Laura and Chase Bradford, Paul Tarbox, Ryan Helvey, Macy, Gunnar and Lily Tarbox; cousins of his children, Dawn Johnson of Chicago, IL, Holly and John Kalivas of CA, Scott Johnson (deceased) of CA; as well as many Canadian cousins, family members and friends. The family wishes to express a special thank you to Dr. C. J. Kuan and the staff of the Skagit Valley Kidney Center. At Tom's request, no services will be held. Remembrances may be made to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, 18911 Kelleher Road, Burlington, WA 98233. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA. To share memories of Tom, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com. After Glow I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one I?d like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done I?d like to leave an echo of whispering softly down the ways Of happy times and laughing times and bright sunny days I?d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun Of happy memories that I leave when life is done. Be Loving and Be Strong. |
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