Richard Francis Higgins
January 6, 1960 – May 24, 2025

Richard Francis Higgins, 65, died Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Rutland Regional Medical Center. He was born on January 6, 1960, in Charleston, S.C., the son of the late John Henry Higgins and Marilyn (Tanner) Higgins.

Rich was actively involved in the junior ski racing program with the Pico Ski Club, Rutland Post 31 American Legion baseball team, and the Rutland High School soccer team. He captained many teams, received numerous awards, and was a passionate and selfless teammate, as well as a Vermont High School slalom state champion and a three-time Vermont American Legion baseball state champion.

Richard was a graduate of Rutland High School in 1978 and Lyndon State College with a Bachelor of Science, graduating in 1982.

Rich was a skilled finish carpenter employed in the Colorado custom home building market. In the winter months, he loved exploring the high, dry Colorado snow at Mt. Warner, Howelsen Hill, and Rabbit Ears Pass outside Steamboat Springs, where he lived for decades. As an avid catch-and-release fly fisherman, during the summer months, you would find him on the Yampa River in Colorado or the Green River in Utah, always with “Dodger,” his beloved chocolate Labrador retriever.

Rich’s sense of adventure led him to spend two winter seasons at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, utilizing his carpentry skills to benefit the station. Following each Antarctic winter, Rich traveled extensively throughout Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. Rich’s life was a testament to his love for his family, his hobbies, and his passions. He adored fishing, skiing, music, the mountains, Colorado, and the Quaking Aspens. His love for the Boston Red Sox was unwavering: he was a true fan till the end.

He is survived by his siblings, John Henry Higgins and wife Suzanne McDowell, Norwich, VT; Michael Joseph Higgins and wife Julie, Incline Village, NV; James Stephen Higgins, Los Angeles, CA; and Ann Marie Pollock and husband Doug, Rutland, VT. Also, by his nieces and nephews, Kristen Pollock Weishaupt, Corey Pollock, Sean Michael Higgins, Kelsey Marie Higgins, Jack Higgins, and Finn Higgins. And by his great-nephew, Knox Weishaupt, and great-niece, Elizabeth Jacobs “Libby” Higgins. Rich’s beloved life partner, Pamela Parker, passed away on March 12, 2019; he was her devoted and gentile caregiver, walking beside her in life and tenderly guiding her through her final days, a testament to his unwavering commitment and deep love.

A Celebration of Life and Remembrance of Rich will be held at a later date.

In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Pico Ski Education Foundation. http://www.picoskifoundation.org

Arrangements are under the direction of the Clifford Funeral Home. Online Condolences at http://www.cliffordfuneralhome.com