Joe Higgins

Joe Higgins, 85, of Bremerton, passed away July 15, 2009, at Ashley Gardens. He was born August 3, 1923, in Castlerea County Roscommon, Ireland, and came to this country at the age of 12, on a ship by himself.

Joe married Katie (Lee) of Seattle on April 20, 1946. He served as a military police officer in the U.S. Army for three years. Joe spent 41 years as a donut maker and later the owner of Milt's Donuts. Even after he retired, he kept busy, working in lumber sales and as "Mr. Fix-It" for his friends and family.

Joe enjoyed tennis, golf, hunting, and fishing. He and Katie were "Snowbirds" and traveled to Yuma, AZ, for three months each winter for 12 years. Joe was known by his family as the "Recreation Director," always teaching the kids to water ski (and the grown-ups, too!). The grandkids could always count on Grandpa to root them on at all of their activities, rain or shine.

He was preceded in death by his son, Tim, in 1965. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Katie, of Bremerton; daughter Pam Roy, grandchildren Melissa and Tanner, and great-granddaughter, Lexi, all of Port Orchard; sister-in-law, Lorraine Gross of Bremerton; aunts, Sister Scholastica and Ann Olson of Seattle; sister Yvonne Heistand of Bremerton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Thanks to Ashley Gardens for the love and care they showed and especially to you, Crystal. Joe was a wonderful husband, dad and papa, and he will be missed more than words can say.