Bruce R. Higgins

It is with deep sadness that the family of Bruce R. Higgins announces his passing in Albuquerque on Father's Day, Sunday, June 20, 2021. (Not due to Covid-19)  Bruce was just one month shy of his 89th birthday.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Sue; three children and their spouses/partners Janet (Robert), Jim (Suzzette), Jeff (Terri); five grandchildren Cortney (Christopher), Cory (Angilece), Hayley, AJ, Jake (Tamara); and three great-grandchildren Connor, Lyla and Levi.

Bruce was born in a small town just outside of Detroit, Michigan, where he grew up with a passion for jazz, and rhythm and blues! He loved to boogie on the piano. It was a big thrill for him when his daughter took him to see BB King live at the Paolo Soleri Amphitheater in Santa Fe, NM, for his 60th birthday.  Bruce moved to Albuquerque with his parents when he was a young lad in 1945 as his father was a tuberculosis (TB) patient whose doctors recommended moving out west for health.  As fate would have it, there was a cute little girl named Betty Sue who lived nextdoor and the rest is history.

Bruce was a historical and cultural educator and guide full of humorous and interesting anecdotes, memories and stories of ABQ in the old days and as ABQ grew into the metropolis that it is today. Bruce loyally served his country in active duty in the US Navy in the 1950s where he sailed the Pacific Ocean and received a Good Conduct Medal, and several other awards and decorations for his National Defense Service and China Service. He also came home from Japan with a colorful tattoo of a beautiful flying dove holding a banner with the name "Sue" emblazoned upon it.

Bruce was retired from Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) after working 42yrs as a Draftsman. He was an impeccable woodworker and pattern maker, and one of his many hobbies was using the woodworking tools in his home garage "man cave" which kept him busy designing and building furniture, decorative items and wooden puzzles. Bruce's "man cave" also housed a weight bench, free weights, treadmill, cross-country ski machine, stationary bike, tv, and a refrigerator full of beer that Bruce always said he needed to drink in order to keep his weight up!

Bruce was an avid sportsman from an early age, ice skating and playing hockey on the frozen rivers in Michigan; and playing baseball and basketball at Jefferson Junior High School, Old Albuquerque High School and then brand new Highland High School. Subsequently, he went on to volunteer his time to coach his sons and at-risk youth with Babe Ruth and RoadRunner Little Leagues, and NM Young America Football League (YAFL).  Bruce and Sue also supported Lobo Basketball with season tickets for 50+yrs from Johnson Gym to the PIT!

Bruce lived an active lifestyle and was an avid outdoorsman.  He biked to/from work/home (10mi RT) most days when weather was good; he telemarked and x-country skied including racing; he was a member of the NM Mountain Club, and Search and Rescue in his younger years; and he loved to hike, backpack, sleep out under the stars and camp in tents, tent-trailers and RVs with his friends and family. He has several Colorado 14ers under his belt.  Some of Bruce and Sue's happiest times were their RV trips to Alaska, New England and the east coast, Vegas and Laughlin where Bruce was a "bad" poker and blackjack player; plus fun times RVing with their grandchildren to Disneyland, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Carlsbad Caverns and to numerous NM and Colorado lakes and mountain campgrounds. Birthdays, holidays, or any occasion to get together was a time to celebrate in the Higgins family including numerous picnics and backyard barbeques. This love and respect for the environment, wildlife and the great outdoors are filled with treasured lessons shared by Bruce throughout his lifetime to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for which they are eternally indebted. Bruce was a model husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and All-American Man who worked hard his entire life, and who was devoted to his family and community.  Bruce was just simply an all-around cool guy!

Bruce will be sorely missed; but with every sunrise, sunset, mountain top and cool breeze, we will feel his spirit and his presence, and he will live in our hearts forever.

Honoring Bruce, memorial donations can be made in Bruce's name to any organization that supports the protection of animals, wildlife and the great outdoors. Additionally, honorary contributions can be made to help cure Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Alzheimer's diseases.  Special thanks from the Higgins Family to the wonderful and compassionate staff at Presbyterian Hospital and Kaseman Hospice as they supported us through this trying time.

Cremation has taken place.  A Memorial Service and Interment of Ashes will take place Friday, July 9, 2021, 10:00 a.m. in the Rose Garden at Sunset Memorial Park.