Dick Higgins, a Bend resident and one of the survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor that thrust the United States into World War II, has died. He was 102.
Known to his family as Gramps, Higgins lived with his granddaughter, Angela Norton, and her family in Bend. Norton confirmed Higgins passed away with his family by his side.
In addition to World War II, Higgins lived through the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression and a battle with COVID-19 in 2020.
A memorial service is planned for March 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Eastmont Church in Bend. That will be followed by a funeral with full military honors at Deschutes Memorial Gardens at 1:00 p.m. The public is invited to both. Higgins' family asks that attendees wear Hawaiian attire in celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Bend Band of Brothers.
Higgins will be buried in California.
Anyone who wants a glimpse at Higgins' life can check out his Instagram page.
Central Oregon Daily News has followed Higgins’ story for several years, including traveling with him to Pearl Harbor in 2021 to mark the 80th anniversary of the attack. You can see our coverage below.