May 8, 1952 — March 19, 2025

Richard (Rich, Ricky) was the fourth of five children born to Orland Robert Higgins and Idahlia Lurlyne (Oliver) Higgins on May 8, 1952, in Phoenix, Arizona.

He passed away on March 19 at his home in Central Point from Alzheimer’s disease complications. His family was able to be there at the end to send him off with love and comfort to be with the Lord.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, mother, oldest brother Robert Alan Higgins, sister Janet Lee Collins, younger brother Russell (Rusty) Clifford Higgins, a niece and nephews, many aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members.

He is survived by his wife, Michele Kay (Noble) Higgins, children Tyler Higgins and Kaitlin (Katie) Higgins (her fiancé Austin Browe), brother Steven William (Bill) Higgins (wife Edythe Higgins), several nieces, nephews and cousins.

From Phoenix, Richard’s family moved to Tempe, Arizona, where he graduated from McClintock High School in 1969. He attended Northern Arizona University, later transferring and graduating from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s in secondary education. After scouring the state in hopes of becoming a history teacher, he went back to ASU, where he earned a master’s in horticulture.

It was during this time at ASU that he met the love of his life, Michele. After just two weeks of dating, he asked her to marry him. They planned their wedding for after Michele’s graduation and were wed on March 22, 1980, at the First Presbyterian Church of Tempe.

Richard worked with plants in some capacity for most of his adult life. He discovered a new plant variety that was later patented and he managed wholesale nurseries — such as Hollyhock in Ashland. He taught horticulture in a prison through Central Arizona College. And he sold fresh-cut flowers and petunia baskets grown on the family’s property. He did all that while growing a substantial garden alongside Michele. He always enjoyed watching the products of his hard work grow, which is probably why he was such an amazing teacher.

In 1996 Richard, Michele and their children moved from Arizona to Southern Oregon. After years of working in greenhouses in the 120-degree summer heat, he decided to “go back to school.” Richard obtained a second bachelor’s degree from Southern Oregon University in computer science.

After graduating with his CS degree, he became a part-time instructor at Rogue Community College, teaching computer science for about 20 years. He was an incredible advocate for his students, especially his evening students and those at the Table Rock campus. Part-time instructors didn’t have office hours. So he made himself available before and after class and was willing to show up on weekends to help his students with their homework, even if it wasn’t for his class. If other students needed assistance while he was in the lab, he would do his best to help them out. He would always attend faculty meetings and teach his classes in RCC gear. He was truly proud to represent RCC and all that it had accomplished.

Richard and Michele were members of First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville when the family first moved to Oregon. After they moved to Central Point, they became members at First Presbyterian Church of Central Point. Richard later became the church treasurer. He retired after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2022.

Richard was always willing to help his friends, family and students with whatever they needed. He gave so much to the community, and we believe that we are all better because of him.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. May 31 at the First Presbyterian Church of Central Point, 456 W. Pine St. Light refreshments will be provided afterward. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant flowers, a tree or a garden in remembrance of Richard. He is loved and missed by many.

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