Richard Joseph Higgins

Richard Joseph Higgins, 89, died Thursday, December 3, 2020, peacefully in his home, in Cypress, California.

Richard was born on March 20,1931, in Grand Junction, Iowa, to Thomas Luke and Laura Agnes (Kersey) Higgins. While Richard was married to Wilma Jean (Shorey) Higgins, they had 3 children: Theresea Marie (Higgins) Safari Forooshani (Hassan), Diana Sue (Higgins) Riahi (Shapour), and Richard Wayne Higgins.

Richard later married Margaret Elizabeth (Terpening) Higgins. They were married 32 years before his death. Margaret previously had 4 grown children that Richard grew to love as his own: Edward Terpening (Mike), Elizabeth (Terpening) Cruickshank (Vincent), Lorraine (Terpening) Carrillo, and Richard Terpening (Tina).

From 1952-1954 Richard was a Corporal/E4 during the Korean Conflict, and was a part of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Special Services Company (insignia: flaming sword patch). He was stationed in Germany and France and served as a heavy equipment operator rebuilding roads, railroads and making fields usable for farmers.

Upon returning from overseas, he continued his career in concrete finishing with E.B. and Grabau, paving highways and roads in Iowa. Later, while living in Boone, Iowa, he started his own business, Higgins Concrete Construction, Inc. Additionally, he worked with Anderson Construction and was a concrete finisher for the Fareway Warehouse. “All the contractors of Boone did agree Richard was the ‘Professional Top Dog’ of his field,” explained Howard Bothner, neighbor and former resident of Boone.

It was not uncommon to see his construction signs throughout the city, including downtown, where he replaced many of Boone’s city sidewalks. He was proud to have been chosen to pour the steps of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

With tough economic times, he surprised the family with a letter from the Prince of Saudi Arabia, inviting him to come work there. From 1982 - 1985 Richard was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, working as a concrete foreman construction supervisor. Highways and bridges were not an easy job in the sweltering desert heat.

He then returned to the states and moved to Cypress, California, to be close to his brother, Bobby Higgins.

It was then he applied for a job at the Los Alamitos School District and out of all applicants, we can guess who got the job. He retired in 1994.

Richard never knew what the meaning of “sit down and rest” meant. In his spare time he took on many hobbies, including tailoring, sewing quilts for all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as woodworking and restoring antique model Fords. He was known for baking skills including some great tasting pies using his mother's crust recipe.

Richard volunteered regularly at the VA Hospital in Long Beach, every week, until his health declined. He also volunteered at his church, bagging groceries for those in need.

He enjoyed walking to the swap meet near home, and would maybe even spend a quarter or two on a good find. Both Margaret and Richard spent many mornings together at the Buena Park Mall, meeting up later with their "walking buddies" for coffee.

He found a best friend later in life, Danny Boy, a poodle mix, who became his most faithful companion and protector. Danny and Richard would take daily walks around the block. Danny is a great traveler, and attended all the family reunions. Richard was proud of the “language” that they had together, like ‘mon and ‘mere (come on, come here).

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Catherine, his brothers John Henry, Thomas Ambrose (Wava), and Robert Leo (Veronica). Richard is survived by his wife Margaret, his sister Genevieve (Higgins) Haase, and all of the above named children. As well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and numerous relatives.

In California, Richard’s viewing will take place in Long Beach, California on Friday, December 11th, at Luyben Dilday Mortuary, from 3 to 5 PM. His funeral will follow on Saturday, December 12th, at Saint Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress, at 10 AM. The following week, Richard’s viewing will be held in Grand Junction, Iowa on Friday, December 18th, at Saint Brigid’s Catholic Church at 9:30 AM, followed by his funeral at 10:30 AM.

He will be laid to rest at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Grand Junction, Iowa. His family will be present to welcome loved ones.