William James Higgins passed away peacefully at home in San Luis Obispo, California on August 18, 2021 at the age of 84. He was fighting esophageal cancer over the last year.
Bill is survived by his 3 children Mike (wife Frankie), Bridget and Suzanne and 3 grandchildren Sarah and Jessica (Bridget) and Nicole (Suzanne). His 7 Great-Grandchildren Gianna, Delilah, Julian, Kierstin, Kinsley, Paxton and Eleanor will all remember him as their Grandpa that lived at the beach. He was of course loved by his many nieces and nephews.
Bill Higgins was born in Marquette, MI to John and Lillian “Muzzy Bear” Higgins. Bill was the youngest of 7 chil- dren, survived by brother John and predeceased by sisters Gerry and Agnes and brothers Howard, Bob, and Francis. As a family of nine, it was tragic when Bill’s father passed away. The kids all lived in a small apartment and made due with very little. This was impressionable as Bill learned to be very resourceful and could fix anything.
He was a proud Marine and made sergeant while serving in Japan. He served as a tank mechanic. Later he worked as a construction worker in Marquette and met his bride, Julie Louise Tisch of Ishpeming, Michigan. They were married on August 29th, 1958 and immediately left the snow behind and moved to sunny San Luis Obispo, Califor- nia to be near brothers Howard and Fran and to start their family.
He became a Teamster truck driver, delivering linen for 30 years to the coastal community. He was well-liked by his customers and would often bring home fish and baked goodies given to him by local restaurants to share with his family.
He graduated from Cuesta College on the GI Bill for Veterans.
His family will always remember the many good times they shared together. Bill loved spending time with his fam- ily outdoors at the beach, swimming, picnicking and BBQing.
Bill and Julie went their separate ways in 1975.
He was very active in the San Luis Obispo American Legion and Moose Lodge. He was Moose of the Year many times and donated more than 100 pints of blood. He retired at the age of 55 and spent most days over the next 30 years at his “beach front property” on the sands of Avila Beach. He enjoyed his summer visits with his family back in Marquette. He had a life long passion for gardening and tended to his hummingbirds daily. He enjoyed taking daily walks around the neighborhood and knew almost everyone by name. He was a kind and helpful man and will be missed by family, friends and those who had the privilege of meeting him.
A private ceremony will be held with family at a later date.
