Douglas (Doug) Higgins peacefully passed away on February 12, 2024, at the Gateway Home in Attica, New York, after a long and courageous health battle.
Doug was born on December 27, 1947 at St. Jerome's Hospital in Batavia, New York. He was the son of Glady Bey Higgins of Attica, New York, and Thomas F. Higgins, formerly of Auburn, New York. In addition to his parents, Doug was predeceased by his brothers, Jim Higgins of Davis, California, and John Higgins of Attica, New York. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara E. Higgins of Attica; his brother-in-law, Salvador Ramirez of Davis, California, as well as nieces and several cousins.
Doug attended grade school at St. Vincent's De Paul Catholic School in Attica, New York. He graduated from Attica Central School in 1966 with a local diploma in Business and was a three-sport athlete; achieving Varsity letters in soccer, basketball, and baseball. Doug then attended Genesee Community College in Batavia, New York, where he received an Associate's Degree in Business and the State University College at Buffalo where he received his Bachelor's degrees in both Business Education and Environmental Studies in 1973.
Doug was a Vietnam Era Veteran enlisting in the United States Army Reserve in 1967 and proudly serving until he was Honorably Discharged in 1973. He was employed by the York Central School District as a secondary business education teacher from 1973 until his retirement in 2003. Doug was also a New York State Sportsman Education Instructor for more than 40 years teaching Hunter Safety, Bow Hunter Education, and Trapper Training courses.
Doug was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and golf. He especially enjoyed spring turkey and elk hunting, where he traveled extensively in pursuit of his passions. He was a life-long member of the Attica Golf Club, (currently "The 10th Hole") in Attica, the National Rifle Association, the North American Big Game Club and was a Silver member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. In 2015, Doug was voted into the New York State Sportsman's Hall of Fame in recognition of his life-long volunteerism which benefited countless numbers of New York's Outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, Doug was a member of the A-ON-DO-WAH-NUH Sportsman's Club in Leicester, New York, the York Sportsman's Club near his home in York, and the American Legion Harder-O'Donnell Post 0734 in Attica, New York.
Doug will sadly be missed by his family, many close friends, and his dog, Jake. A special "Thank You" to the volunteers and staff at the Gateway Home in Attica for all of the wonderful care and support Doug received during his stay.
Visitation for Doug will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York, where services will immediately follow visitation at 11:30 am at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Doug's name to Gateway Home, 91 Main St, Attica, New York 14011; Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020; or the American Legion Harder-O'Donnell Post 0734, 83 Market Street, Attica, New York 14011. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.
