Obituary of Gerald Higson

Gerald &quote;Gerry&quote; Higson, passed away after an extended illness on Tuesday night, May 8, 2012. He was 69 years old. Gerry was born in Newton, the son of the late Everett and Margaret Higson. He grew up in Bedford and was a graduate of Bedford High School. He married his wife Claudia in 1961, settling in Burlington in 1968 to raise their four children. Gerry was a member of the Pipe Fitters Union Local 537 for 49 years. He worked for the Siemens companies (formerly Powers Regulator Co.), spending most of his last 20 years working on projects at Harvard University. Gerry was a member of the Burlington Knights of Columbus and the K of C Bowling League. He was a gentle giant, who had a heart of gold, wonderful sense of humor, and strong work ethic. He will be remembered for the love and devotion he shared with his wife, children, grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Gerry was the beloved husband of Claudia (Turnquist) Higson. He was the loving father of Carla Beaulieu & her husband Robert Nadolny of Burlington, Gerald Higson, Jr. & his wife Susan of Chelmsford, Catherine Johnson & her husband Mark of Plaistow, NH and Robert Higson & his wife Cora of Framingham. He was the brother of Everett Higson, Jr. of Bedford, Francis Higson of Chelmsford and the late Paul Higson. He was the proud grandfather of James, Steven & Nicole Beaulieu, Jake, Max & Will Higson and Christofer Johnson. He was the son-in-law of Harriett Turnquist of Burlington and father-in-law of the late Jay Beaulieu. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Sat. May 12 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret's Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Gerry's name may be made to Make a Wish Foundation, 1 Bulfinch Place, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA www.mass.wish.org The first thing everyone noticed about Gerry Higson was his height. You couldn’t avoid it. A friend of mine had come to the house for the 1st time and Dad stood up from his chair to greet him. Later he remarked “your dad stood up and he kept going up!” This is also why my brother is known as “little Gerry”. He was tall, but that was the least noteworthy thing about him First and foremost, he was always there for his family. Be it a ride somewhere, a kind word, offering advice, a house project, or just moral support. He delighted in teasing and playing with his grandkids, pretending not to know the correct name of a popular cartoon character, or getting down on the floor to rough house. He went to cheerleading events, baseball, basketball, football, soccer games, karate, and many School activities, just as he had for his own children. On trips to the store, his hand was too big to hold, so he would extend his index finger for you to hold on to. He’d pour a glass of milk and ask “how many fingers do you want?” When he’d see you after school he’d say “did you shine today?” All he asked of us was to do our best and he would be proud. He was many things, Grandfather, Dad, Uncle, Brother, Friend, but most of all a devoted husband. He always seemed to know what to do and what he was doing. For example: On his first date with mom he asked to try on her grandmother’s ring. It didn’t come off his hand. He said his mother would be able to remove it and he would return it on their next date. She didn’t get the ring back until after they were married. One time I was with them shopping and he was watching mom walking from item to item and he said to me “isn’t she beautiful, just the way she moves.” He would keep track of items she’d shown interest in, and then go shopping with Carla and Cathy to pick these things out. He always provided for his family. He would give mom everything she wanted. All she wanted was him. All he wanted was her. He was a proud man, extremely proud of his children and all of our accomplishments. He never hesitated to share with others, the fact that Carla became a school teacher, Cathy a nurse, and Jerry and I followed him into the family trade. Never did he tire of “talking shop” with us at family gatherings. For me, he was someone I admired. Many times growing up I would try to emulate him. He had a strong sense of right and wrong. He taught me the value of family. If mom was sick, he made the best soup and sandwiches you’ve ever had. It seemed he could fix anything, including the lawn mower, when I really didn’t want him to. He taught his kids how to drive, always sitting down for a stiff drink after the first lesson. Hiding of Easter baskets was a tradition of his. Each year the location getting more difficult, until the last few years when you have to ask for clues like “What floor is it hidden on?” or “do I need to look in the attic?” When driving home after visiting with him, Cora would say to me “so that’s where you get that from!” I always considered that an honor. If you were watching TV and went for a snack, you’d better bring extra for him. He was very competitive at games. If you won you earned it. He loved all children, probably since he was one at heart himself. So Gerry Higson was tall, but he was so much more He was my father and my friend His passing at 69 years was too soon and he is missed dearly.