BAR HARBOR – Royal “Butch” J. Higgins, 70, died Oct. 13, 2006, at Mount Desert Island Hospital. He was born June 23, 1936, in Bar Harbor, the son of Robert Law and Johanna Josephine (Kelly) Higgins. A lifelong resident of Bar Harbor, Butch was a firefighter for the Bar Harbor Fire Department for nearly 30 years. He served as fire chief for 20 years until he retired in 1993. He was very dedicated to the department and enjoyed sharing stories about the department and the many men he worked with over the years. Early mornings would find Butch down at the Town Pier, socializing and catching up on the local gossip. Later came his daily rounds of Bar Harbor, consisting of touching base many times a day with his friends and acquaintances. Several times a day he would check in with his closest friends – the late Gary Parsons, Bob Kane, Seth Kane, John Silk, Chris Connors, Pamela Gleichman and Karl Norberg. For the last 20 years, Butch worked as caretaker for Pam and Karl; more than that he became a family member. Butch was an extremely generous man who helped out anyone in need whether financial or otherwise. Many times he helped people without their knowledge and he would take it upon himself to silently monitor the well being of others. Butch made endless phone calls checking up on friends while trying to give the appearance that he was not being protective. It was this personal concern for others that endeared him to those who knew him. Butch was a man who valued friendships and family more than anything. He leaves a large void in the lives of many people on Mount Desert Island and despite his quest to remain behind the scenes, he is at the forefront of the thoughts of those who knew and loved him. Even as death approached, Butch tried to control the situation and limit the events that would take place after he was gone. Stubbornly, those who knew Butch refused to let him pass without the recognition he deserved. Butch would have appreciated this stubbornness as much as he would have refused to admit it. Butch was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Robert L. Higgins II and Terrance Higgins. He is survived by one son, Timothy Higgins of Bar Harbor; two daughters, Barbara Higgins and Becky Higgins and her partner, Ann Sullivan; one granddaughter, Olivia Smith, all of Hampden; two brothers, Liston Higgins and Leo Higgins, both of Bar Harbor; two sisters, Ellen Emery of Bar Harbor and Jessie Morris of Presque Isle. Butch adored his granddaughter, Oli-via and rarely missed his Sunday visit to share time with her. At Butch’s request, there will be no services. Interment will be at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Bar Harbor. The family would like to name the Bar Harbor Fire Department for those who wish to donate in Butch’s memory. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 48 Eden St., Bar Harbor. “…They say old fire chiefs never die. They just go lobstering.” Quote by Butch Higgins upon retirement as fire chief of the Bar Harbor Fire Department.
ROYAL ‘BUTCH’ J. HIGGINS
