Sadly, Kearsley's grandfather died on May 31st and a memorial celebrating his life was held on July 1st. Before sharing some of the events of the memorial, we wanted to share a few photos of Dr. R. Paul Higgins Jr. during his life.
He was a very devoted and caring family man who loved his wife, three children, six granddaughters, and three great-grandchildren. He spent much of his life helping others as doctor. He was just completing his medical training at Johns Hopkins when World War II started. He spent his first several years as a doctor in the South Pacific and Burma during the war. While in Fiji for 2 years, he met and married Elima Kearsley, who is Kearsley's grandmother (and namesake). He and his new wife eventually made it back to the U.S. where he returned to his hometown, Cortland, NY and became the Chief of Surgery at the hospital there for many years. He was a caring and introspective man who would often surprise us with his wit and charm. We knew him best as our grandpa who loved the outdoors and Skaneateles Lake (near Cortland). He loved sailing, skiing, swimming, and just relaxing by the lake. He had a wonderful 95 years and we will miss him.
Gram and Grandpa, very happy out on the open water.
Sitting together with Pop (David), their first child.
The whole family on a cruise (Betsy, Grandpa, Susie, Gram, and Pop).
Gram and Grandpa with Kearsley, Coco, and Marimar.
At Kearsley's high school graduation.
Grandpa walked Kearsley down the aisle because Pop was performing the ceremony. This is such a special memory for Kearsley.
In Mexico for Marimar's wedding.
This guy knows how to have fun.
Here is Grandpa (and Gram) out on the sailboat with Pop last summer while we where there. This was a difficult task with his limited mobility, but he loved getting out on the water.
This how we like to remember him, enjoying the simple wonder of Skaneateles Lake with Gram. Goodbye Grandpa. We love you.
