"While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil."
John Taylor
Arnold "Larry" "Gar" Lawrence Higgins, 92, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend passed away peacefully on July 17, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Most would say that it would be difficult to find a more kind, gentle and entertaining man than Larry and the footprint he left behind is like no other. Although the family is deeply saddened by his passing, peace has been given to them knowing that he is with those that have preceded him in death, whom he loved and truly yearned to be with again.
Larry married Helen Higgins in the Logan Temple in 1947. They had 44 years of a marriage and raised four children together before her passing in June 1991. He married Shirley Donovan in 1994 and enjoyed her companionship and love until her passing in September 2001. Larry is survived by his four children; Mark (Linda), Barry (Carolyn), Tisa Mojzisik, and Katie Higgins, his sisters; Kathy (John) Spencer, Lorna (Grant) Hale, his brother-n-law; Burt Cassity, his ten grandchildren, his four great-grandchildren and his companion for the past several years, Patty Owens. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Phyllis.
Larry was born to Arnold Lawrence Sr. and Elsie Higgins on December 8, 1922 in San Francisco, California. At age two, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He graduated from East High School and then showed his pride for his country by enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1942. He served in the Pacific theater until 1946. He graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelors Degree in banking and finance. He had discovered his love for banking after working as a clerk at the Continental Bank and Trust Company. He became the bank's President in 1987 after many years as Executive Vice-President, and then elected Chairman of the Board. Larry was heavily invested in his work in the bank until his retirement in 1993 and was respected by all who worked with him.
Larry was a world traveler over the course of his 92 years, vacationing in places such as Maui, Bermuda, Spain, Morocco, Scandinavia, Alaska, Italy and Canada. His list of hobbies was one that most people would envy. He enjoyed golf, skiing, playing racquetball, attending the symphony, enjoying dinners at the Salt Lake Country Club and taking part in the Saturday Night Dance Club and working in his garden. In his 80's, he was well known for buzzing around town in the red pickup truck, showing his lighthearted and youthful side. He truly enjoyed his time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, supporting them at their sporting events, teaching them how to perfect their game of pool, sharing stories of his past and showing consistent love to each of them, no matter the distance between them.
The world has lost an extremely loving, humorous, talented and exceptional man whose memory will live on through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Viewing services will be on Tuesday, July 21st from 6-8pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, July 22nd at 11:00AM at the same location with burial to follow Salt Lake City Cemetery.
In lieu of floral arrangements, the family requests donations to the Utah Arthritis Foundation, which was so important to Larry throughout his life, or the philanthropy of your choice. The family would also like to thank Larry's many caregivers, who have added so much to his life over the past few years.
Condolences may be made at www.LarkinMortuary.com
