Gary Lee Higlin, 64, passed away at the Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City, S.D. on Friday, October 28, 2016 after a thirteen year battle with cancer.
He was born on September 3, 1952 in Glendive to Harry and Ruby (Stoner) Higlin.
Gary spent his entire childhood in Glendive. After college, Gary returned to Glendive to work for WBI, a division of MDU, until 1990 when he transferred to Rapid City, S.D. where he continued to work for MDU as an engineering assistant and then construction supervisor. He retired in October of 2014 after over thirty years with the company.
Gary loved sports as a participant, fan and coach. He played basketball for the Dawson County Red Devils, Dawson Community College and Dickinson State University where he was also a member of the track team. In later years, he enjoyed playing softball and then the somewhat frustrating game of golf. On a professional level, Gary was a Green Bay Packers fan through all their up and down seasons, win or lose.
One of his greatest joys came from coaching youth sports – baseball, basketball and football. His all-time favorite team was the Rapid City Blazers, a traveling youth basketball team that started when Rory was in fourth grade and continued through his middle school years.
Another of Gary’s greatest joys was watching his children and grandchildren compete. He was their biggest fan at basketball , baseball, football and volleyball games as well as the steer roping and team roping rodeo events.
Gary was a loyal husband, father and friend. He is survived by his wife, Jackie of Rapid City; three sons, Cole (Jamie) Higlin of Mandan, N.D., Rory (Anna) Rochlitz of Frederick, Colo. and Ryan Rochlitz of Minatare, Neb.; one sister, Rose (Art) Storlie of Bozeman; one brother, Don (Shirley) Berkey of Frankfort, Ill.; and four grandchildren, Micaela, Mackensi, Hannah and Hunter.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ruby Higlin; as well as one sister, Donna Kunka.
A private family service in Ariz. is pending. A Celebration of Life for family and friends in Rapid City is also pending but will most likely be in the spring or early summer. A Catholic mass for the special intentions of Gary Higlin was held at St. Michael’s Church in Hermosa on November 1, 2016 at 6 p.m.
Honorary pallbearers include his life time friends, Jim Gray, Jack Gannon, Andrew Morse and Wayne Emter; and his two brothers-in-law, John Northrop and Randy Northrop.
Rest in Peace, Gary, your suffering has ended. We will know you are with us each time we hear the whisper of the wind and feel the warmth of the sun on our faces.