Obituary
We lost the best dad we ever had, Timothy Higham, aged 78, from a full life of
great memories made. We’ve had several versions of his obituary for the last 6
months while he has been on hospice, but none of them convey the
unconventional man he was. We can go on about how he grew up in Trenton, NJ
to the late Justus and Eleanor Higham. That he was the 9th of 15 siblings (go
figure, he also went to Catholic school). Like most of his generation, he went
into the Air Force and did his time in Turkey, South Korea, and Texas during the
Vietnam War.
But that doesn’t describe who he is. He was a very private and stubborn man.
Sometimes to a fault, other times, it served him tremendously well. He was a
fantastic dancer, and loved Motown and Disco (he continued to listen during his
last days). His motto was “someone has to be that guy” when he had to throw
life into a party or be the first to break the ice. He has some wild stories of his
youth and loved a leisure suit back in the day.
Tim used to cruise Hollywood Beach, Fl for chicks and found Annie and they
married in 1975. She put up with all his malarkey for 47 years, until her passing
in 2022. The two of them traveled the world, thanks to his successful career of
over 40 years with Toyota as a Parts Manager. His biggest success were his two
daughters (we get to say this because we get to write this), Dana and Gabby,
aka Sticks and Fuzzhead. But he learned patience (which if you knew him, he
lacked), when his granddaughters, Hadarah and Melana were born.
Tim loved an ice-cold beer (preferably a Bud Light), a Marlboro Light, telling old
stories that his family had to endure repeatedly, and a casino. He lived his life
on his terms, without regret, and didn’t apologize for putting himself first. He
didn’t appease the masses, knowing this was his life to live to his fullest. We
implore all of you to live a little like Timmy, and do what is best for you, despite
what others may have to say.
Tim leaves behind his daughter, Dana (Stephen) McClendon; Gabrielle (Frank)
Harrison; fearless granddaughter, Hadarah Schell; compassionate
granddaughter, Melana Schell; brothers William Higham, Michael Higham,
Stephen Higham, Dennis Higham, and Terry Higham; sisters Kathy (Alfredo
Iavarone) Higham, Jane (Carl) Thiel, and Susan Baker, numerous nieces and
nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annie (Glassman)
Higham, his parents Eleanor and Justus Higham as well as siblings Mary Lou
Sheppard, Carol McNamara, Eleanor Panfen, G. Patrick Higham, Justus Higham
Jr., and Anthony Higham.
We will miss you and love you forever. Catch me if you can. Thanks for being the
best dad we ever had.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please support
LifePath Hospice: chaptershealth.org or LifePath Hospice, Green Team, 3725
Upper Creek Dr, Ruskin, FL 33573