Terence Higgins

Terence Higgins, 73, of Hot Springs Village, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2009 at St. Joseph's Mercy Health Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born in Kilwinning, Ayshire, Scotland June 9, 1935, and reared on the River Clyde. At age seventeen he migrated to Australia after World War II. After serving in the Australian Army; he joined the Victoria Police Force and served twelve years in various departments. He then transferred to the Australian Federal Police, where he was in charge of International Airport Security and Investigation. After many years in this field; he left for Scotland in 1976, he met Emma Earlene Barker in London, and they subsequently married in 1978. They have lived in California, Idaho, Texas and Montana. Terry was a true "Renaissance man" being very multi-talented in so many fields of endeavor. His early paintings gained him recognition in Melbourne and Darwin as he had this gift from youth. After retiring from his life's work and coming to the United States; he completed a Master's in Fine Art at California State University, Long Beach, excelling in bronze alabaster stone carving and oil painting. His sketches are lovely to view as he had an eye for exquisite detail. Having a sea-captain father who taught him construction enabled Terry to be involved with numerous real-estate projects and transactions in latter years. Along with this; his main hobby was researching early Christianity especially Celtic which led him to publishing a book, "Alnums of the Druids" in 2008, the culmination of years of study. He was a member of Masonic Organization for 47 years and is currently a Master Mason at Mission Valley Lodge # 78 in Polson, Montana. His joyous personality and happy spirit endeared him to all he encountered, as he was truly a unique individual. He is survived by: His wife of 33 years: Emma Earlene Tucker Higgins of Hot Springs Village A son: Darrell Gray Higgins of Tasmania and Darwin Australia A daughter: Sharon Lee Higgins of Tasmania and Darwin Australia 2 Grandchildren: Noah and Leila Lucia Higgins, who reside in Tasmania and Darwin, Australia Niece: Karen Harmer, and two nephews: Steven and Peter Graeme Whitty, all of Altona, Victoria, Australia His parents, Terence and Isabella Rae Higgins, a son, Bruce Terence Higgins, and beloved sister, Isobel Rae Whitty, preceded him in death. A private committal service will be in Presbyterian Kirk of the Pines Memorial Garden 11 AM, Thursday, May 14, 2009. Memorial may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Presbyterian Kirk in the Pines, where he was a member. Arrangements are under the direction of CedarVale Funeral Home of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. (501) 922-6100.