DONALD LEO HIGGINS

BANGOR – Donald Leo Higgins, 81, entered the gates of heaven June 30, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. Donald was born May 19, 1931, in East Millinocket, to John “Hubie” Higgins and Marion (Gilmore) Higgins.

He graduated from John Bapst High School in 1950 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served during the Korean War as an encryption specialist. He spoke fondly of his time in Japan and his Naval service. After an honorable discharge he returned to Maine and married Elaine Ryder Nov. 3, 1956. Don retired from the United States Post Office after 29 years and never failed to display his biased feelings toward competitors! Not one to remain idle, Don followed his dream to return to sea. He began shipping out with Maine Maritime Academy on the yearly cruise in command of the scullery. His love of his shipmates and MMA, and their love for him, is apparent in the fact that he was dubbed “Captain” Don, a name he proudly answered to until his passing. Don, Dad, Sea Daddy, Papa Donnie Boy, The Boss, Top Gun, Captain Don, was special and unique, a man whose love of God, family, the USA, MMA and The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame was endless and unquestionable. He loved his children and grandchildren and took great pride and joy in their success. His strong work ethic was a model for all to follow.

Don and Elaine raised eight children, Michael, Mary Helen, Joseph, James, Thomas, Rachael, Jeffrey and Constance to create a loving, tight-knit family. Don was loved and will be greatly missed by his sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, Bruce Roberts, Theresa (Audibert), Connie (Stone), Debbie (Runnells), Matthew Hackett, Jamie (McKissick) and Jason Lewis. His love, joy, hope and promise live on in his 13 grandchildren, Travis, Andrew, Katelyn, Elizabeth, Brian, Matthew, Jennifer, Molly, Brooke, Tyne, Nate, Taylor and Jeffrey. He is survived by a sister, Joanne Harvey and her husband, Ken; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Margaret, Theresa and Joyce; and brothers, Charles, Francis “Nig,” John and James. Our thanks and appreciation to the staffs of New Hope Hospice, St. Joseph Hospital and Ross Manor for their care and support.

Relatives and friends are welcome to call 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 5, at Greenlawn Memorial Funeral Home, 300 State St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, July 6, at St. John’s Catholic Church, York Street, Bangor, with the Rev. Rudolph Leveille officiating. Per Don’s request, and a special thanks to past MMA president Len Tyler and Capt. Larry Wade, his ashes will be spread at sea during the 2013 cruise. Those wishing to remember Don in a special way may make gifts in his name to New Hope Hospice, P.O. Box 70, Eddington, ME 04428 or for student scholarships to Maine Maritime Academy, Development Office, Pleasant Street, Castine, ME 04420.

Dad, “Anchors Aweigh”

“Born in the USA”

“Take a break”

“May God hold you in

the palm of his hand

til we meet again.”