Ralph Duane Higginson passed away peacefully on March 24, 2021 at the age of 71. Duane was born in Payson, Utah to Ralph and LaVerne Higginson on December 4, 1949. He attended and graduated from Spanish Fork High school and went on to study at Brigham Young University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree. He was a proud employee of Geneva Nitrogen (formerly LaRoche Industries) and worked there for 40 years.
On June 26, 1970 Duane married his high school sweetheart Julie Ann Gustin in the Manti Temple. The two were very happy and recently celebrated 50 years together. Their five sons were the light of his life. Duane loved his family and worked hard to stay involved in their lives as well as the community. Some of his favorite activities were sports and he spent time as a baseball, basketball, and football coach throughout the years. He loved watching his boys and grandkids playing all kinds of sports and watching dance and cheer competitions. Duane also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and traveling with his family. He loved the traditional family Bear Lake trip they took every year. His biggest accolade was building each one of his boys and their wives a beautiful home.
Duane was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings and capacities. Among those callings included serving in the bishopric of a BYU YSA ward as well as in his own home ward bishopric. His favorite assignment was teaching the eight year old primary class. Duane enjoyed working in the Provo and Payson Temples for many years.
Service and hard work were very important to Duane. He served as a volunteer fireman for several years in his community. He also served in the Army National Guard. He was always doing his best to help those around him. Duane and Julie had the great honor of being selected as Grand Marshals of the Salem Days Parade.
Duane is survived by his wife Julie, and his five sons Dan Higginson (Suzanna) of Salem, UT, Jeff Higginson (Abbie) of Salem, UT, Sam Higginson (Whitney) of Spanish Fork, UT, Joel Higginson (Julie) of Salem, UT, and Scott Higginson (Jessica), of Salem, UT. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren (soon-to-be first great granddaughter), three sisters Diane Hatfield, Carma Johnston (Ron) and Jill Carlson (Mark), in-laws Gary (Teresa) Gustin, Jeff (Tammy) Gustin, Shelly (Kelly) Underwood, and Grandma Clella Bush Gustin.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and LaVerne Higginson, his sister Kaye Kitchen, brother-in-law Arden Kitchen, nieces Andrea and Tiffany Kitchen, brother-in-law Arthur Hatfield, and in-laws Mont and Faye Gustin. He was deeply loved and will be missed.
A public viewing will be held Sunday, March 28th, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Home in Spanish Fork, UT. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 29, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Salem 3rd Ward West Stake Center, 695 South 300 West Salem, UT. Prior to this, a viewing will take place from 9:45-10:45, also at the church. Interment will take place in the Salem City Cemetery.
Here is the link for the Zoom setup.
Zoom Link: [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85005072957]
DIal In Number: 1 669 900 9128
Meeting ID: 850 0507 2957
6 Condolences for Ralph “Duane” Higginson
Condolences(6)
Sharon Atwood Creer says
March 25, 2021 at 10:32 pmI am so sorry for your loss. Duane has been the rock of your family for many years and will be sorely missed. Please know I love all of you very much.
Mike Warner says
March 26, 2021 at 5:37 pmI enjoyed being a HS classmate with Duane, playing football, Natl’ Guard and other activities. He was a joy to be around.
Sorry. Julie, family and friends for your loss.
Becky Henderson Dean says
March 27, 2021 at 3:54 pmWhat a beautiful 50+ years together you had with Duane, Julie. My deepest sympathies for you and your wonderful family. 71 seems too young to lose a beloved one. May you feel the comforting spirit with you always. It will be glorious when you are together again.
Ben Shepherd says
March 28, 2021 at 12:05 amMy heart and thoughts go out to all the Higginson’s!! Wonderful Family!! Beautiful Life! Good job Duane! I hope I can be just half the father he must’ve been!!
Richard and Clyda Lindsay and family says
March 29, 2021 at 2:28 pmJulie and family
Dick and I along with our family would like to express our deepest sympathy. Your family has been so kind to our sons and their friendships throughout these past many years. Duane was a great support to your family and friends. It is so hard to lose a husband and father who has been such a great example. May you find peace and comfort in the many days ahead, knowing that you will see him again and also appreciate the great memories you have shared. God bless you all.
Garth Smith says
March 31, 2021 at 10:37 pmJulie,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your good husband. You are blessed to be surrounded by loving family.
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