ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our much loved Patrick Higgins, 60, born on August 9, 1955 and passed away on April 11, 2016. We will remember him forever.
 
To honor and remember Pat, please leave tributes below and stories (click on tab). We'd love your photos - please add to the Gallery!!!      ~We thank you! ~

Service Friday, April 29, 2016 at 2:00pm
St Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 555 3rd Ave, Crockett, CA 94525

Pat's "See Ya Bye" Party to follow at nearby Boy Scout Hall
991 Loring AveCrockettCA 94525


Patrick Sean Higgins was born on August 9, 1955. Pat passed away on April 11, 2016 from bile duct cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends to the very last second. He leaves behind two sons, three brothers and two sisters, along with an extraordinary set of cherished close friends and support system.

Pat was a fireman’s fireman, and always gave 110%. He loved hanging out with friends, old and new. If firemen were there, it was even better.

Pat loved:

Campfires and house fires, any kind of fire
Old Ford Mustangs

Old muscle cars
4 wheel drives
Angels Camp
Girls and Guns
Dr. Pepper (in a bottle only)
Budweiser beer
Elvis Presley
Singing
Anything collectible
Motorcycles, old and new
Nascar racing
Oldies 60’s - 70’s music
Baseball caps
Holding court with his friends
Conservative politics
Wrestling, high school and college
Finding a deal
Making a deal
Winning
The United States Military
The National Anthem
The U.S.A.

 ~ Pat will be deeply missed by all who knew him. When Pat was done with a conversation or phone call, he always signed off with the words “see ya bye” ~

 

April 22, 2016
April 22, 2016
As Lee Ann wrote "never a dull moment" if Pat was in the fire house.
Pat was the one you wanted to have your back on a call.
Rest in Peace Pat.
April 22, 2016
April 22, 2016
I met Pat in 1984 when I went to work at the Vallejo Fire Department and there was never a dull moment after that!!! Someone else said "Pat lived life out loud" and that is the God's truth and the best way I can say it. Suffice it to say there was one hell of a reunion in Heaven when Pat went through the gates! So until we meet again Patrick Sean, " see ya' bye".
April 22, 2016
April 22, 2016
Word's of wisdom found in John 5:28,29 show that we will see Pat's giving spirit again and we all long for that day!
April 21, 2016
April 21, 2016
Pat, Captain Mercer and F/F Mike Ortiz were my first crew members when I got hired here in Vallejo Fire. Pat was instrumental in teaching me how to be a real truckman. Starting with the tiller training at a high rate of speed no less. He taught me to be on my toes and always give 100% to the job of a fireman. Yes Pat was and always will be a real fireman. He taught me how to ventilate a structure fire properly to protect the attack crew inside. He also taught me about loyalty and unionism toward our fellow brothers and sisters in the dept. These skills I never forget. He was always there for me when I needed support for a life challenge. He made me feel at ease when I was a new rookie. He also taught me that for people like him who hated green peas, Campbell's soup made "Scotch Broth". I have many great memories working with Pat on many emergency incidents. Pat, to your family my heart goes out to them however I know you will always be nearby. Thank you Pat for what you have given to Vallejo Fire. I will miss you brother......"over and out".
April 21, 2016
April 21, 2016
There was never a dull moment working with Pat, enjoyed every minute of it. RIP.
April 21, 2016
April 21, 2016
There were a lot of "firsts" for me Because of Pat, most notably at Higdew or however he spelled it? The lessons I have taken from Pat; a sense of pride, a sense of family and a sense of humor. He was the original "Wally". My heartfelt condolences to Jim and the rest of the family. Thanks Coach!
April 20, 2016
April 20, 2016
I will always remember Pat smiling. The first time I met him he sang some lyrics to a song with "Marylou, you took my watch & chain." I insisted it was Betty Lou, but he brought the song to Fellowship one day & of course he was right. I learned not to argue with him about ANY song. I will miss his sincere hugs & smiling face.
April 20, 2016
April 20, 2016
Pat you left us to soon I will always remember all the Higdo weekends I went to all the fun we had over the years. I will keep the Higdo do traditional life. Pat and I will always remember you as the leader you were I'm going to miss you buddy  See ya bye. Jim t
April 20, 2016
April 20, 2016
Pat.... I am so honored to call you friend, but you were so much more than that....I don't believe you ever met a stranger. Always happy to make new friends and always supportive and caring of your old friends. You welcomed me into your life, and brought so much laughter and sunshine into mine. A dedicated fireman, a devoted wrestling coach, and a loyal friend....you exemplified "hero" every day. I guess heaven needed a hero, because you left us way to soon. Until we meet again my friend...See ya bye....
April 19, 2016
April 19, 2016
Pat I will never ever forget the laughter and fun we had in our years at DV. You always brought a small storm of fun! Sometimes crazy and sometimes even more crazy!
April 19, 2016
April 19, 2016
To all of you wrestlers, it means so much to hear from all of you guys. Pat and I had such good times with Campo!! It was an amazing time in our lives!Keep the stories coming.
 It meant so much that some of you made it in time to visit with him.Some of the last before he passed away were Peni Inukihanganna and Ray Trujillo, he was so pleased to see you all.
April 19, 2016
April 19, 2016
To my friend, my coach
Pat touched many young men's lives like no other Coach could. Straight talker who would drop you for talking any shit.
I still tell stories of my wrestling days, taught my boys what he taught me, have fond memories of being on his team's, going to Squaw Valley camps and Silver Creek afterwards, Love Ave, mustangs and so much more

RIP Coach

10/2/4 forever

Campo class of 1985
April 19, 2016
April 19, 2016
Pat lived around the corner from me while he and his brother coached Campolindo High's wrestling program. He would have us (Steve Pacheco, Joe Pangelinan and I), over to his house to play pool and talk wrestling. We spent hours around that pool table just being wrestler's and talking about life. We lost contact when I went to College and I have always remembered the time we spent together. I am Proud to say that Pat was my friend. I love you coach and I will miss you.
April 19, 2016
April 19, 2016
I forever owe Pat for the success I had in wrestling. He recruited me when I was only a large 8th grader, from day one I was to be his "Fatman." hated the name, but for some reason it was OK when only Pat called me by it. Pat let me come to the practices before I even entered High School, not really sure if this was allowed. Pat and Jim pushed me every step, getting up for the early Saturday tournaments and long practices, those two guys were almost always there. They did this while working their fireman jobs also. It was a great time in my life. The memories are all great at this time, from the fight after the Miramonte match, "Higdo," Pinky's Pizza, Marlow cutting weight, Entire team qualifying for NCS almost, FAL titles, Wrestling Camp, even driving to the tournaments with Pat was a memory in it's self. I owe Pat and Jim together for a part of who I am today. Thanks guys. I am glad I got to say good buy to Pat this summer at Micky's party.
April 19, 2016
April 19, 2016
Pat was one of kind, he lived life out loud but sadly wasn't allowed to keep hollering. May the Great Spirit give light to your path and the clouds of sorrow never rest upon your journey.
April 19, 2016
April 19, 2016
Pat was one of a kind. He was always the life of the party, with a smile on his face and a song to serenade the guests. Once you met him you never forgot him. Although most people saw the happy go lucky side of him, he was also caring, kind and considerate and was not afraid to sit down and have a heartfelt conversation with you. That is the side of Pat that I will always hold dear in my heart.
April 19, 2016
April 19, 2016
Pat always welcomed people into his group. He welcomed me with open arms and enjoyed all the time I spent with him and Martha. You will be greatly missed. Love you both MUCHO
April 19, 2016
April 19, 2016
Pat,
Heaven just became a more popular destination, keep the camp fire lit for me!
Now that your there, please keep Norm Markus from running through the fire! Rest in peace brother,
April 18, 2016
April 18, 2016
Being part of the family, I’m going to write this tribute directly to Pat. (I know he can hear me.)

"Pat, my brother-in-law of many years, we’ve known each other since we were 15. Early memories of us sitting across from each other in Mrs Clark’s 9th grade World History class. And you at 95 lbs on Del Valle’s wrestling team. One of my most fun memories is when you let me spin donuts with your Jeep in the orange grove near the Porterville house (23574 Ave 124 - I still remember the Higgins address there!)

You, Pat, were a character. No doubt about it. I watched you grow up, through all those crazy stages.

Fast-forward to now, sweet brother-in-law — this last week of your time on earth I was blessed beyond measure as I witnessed your courage, attention to detail, your heart’s desires, thoughtfulness, graciousness and humbleness — all these things shining through in a way I’d never seen before - you were amazing!!! Pat, brave man, we saw you off and rejoice we’ll meet again!"

Joyce Higgins
April 18, 2016
April 18, 2016
Cut my first vent hole with Pat when I was brand new. Was pumpin me up the whole time saying, "thatta boy kid!" Was nervous as hell but he kept my confidence high. He had a way of doing that to people. Pat was the heart and soul of station 1, entertainment with one liners and lyrics all day. However the best memory I have with Pat has nothing to do with work. I was going through the toughest time in my life when Pat invited me to Angels Camp. We drank plenty of beer, tore around in a gator, shot guns and everything else that can make someone forget about all their problems. He was that kind of person and I'm sure there are plenty of more Pat stories like mine and then some! Wherever death has taken you, I'm sure it's gonna be a good time up there! Love Pat!
April 18, 2016
April 18, 2016
Pat is the firemans, fireman. He would take the time to help anyone with anything, even if it wasn't exactly on his things to do list. If I ever found Dr Pepper in the bottle, I always got Pat some too. He supported me at City Hall during my fight to get my job at the Fire Department as we were both color blind. He will be missed by so many people that he touched in 60 years and he deserved so many more years. I won't miss being shown any wrestling moves, but will miss his Elvis. Gods Speed Higgy.
April 18, 2016
April 18, 2016
I did not know Pat really well, but we crossed paths many times over the years. I worked with his brother Mike at Simon Hardware during my high school and college years. And I, like Pat and his other brother, am a firefighter also, in Hayward. I remember testing with Vallejo many years ago, and Pat was very supportive in my new career choice. We occasionally crossed paths in our neighborhood, living down the street from each other in Pleasant Hill. When a brother firefighter goes down, we all feel it. Godspeed Pat!
April 18, 2016
April 18, 2016
WHAT SIZE!
For a man that lived Larger Than Life, stood up for right and wrong. 
A true friend. We lost a legend, We lost a dear soul. 
Rest at Peace Pat.
You will live forever in our hearts
10-2-4
April 18, 2016
April 18, 2016
He was a crazy, happy, full of life guy. We will all miss him.
April 17, 2016
April 17, 2016
One night of many at the local watering hole, Dallimonti's Italian Restaurant, Pat had promised to sing, and to show up. Well, it wasn't long before the song book was out and selections were being scribbled on note for the karoake jockey. One thing led to another, and the songs got crazier, of course. I think I did a Joe Tex tune called Skinny Legs--"who'll take that woman with da skinny legs?"..along the way, pretty sure Pat did a good renditon of Willie Nelson's "On The Road Again" which is always a favorite...you get the picture.  Well, next time it was Pat's turn he comes up with a real crowd pleaser---obviously, Pat's best talent was being the humor guy...you might have heard it...by David Alan Coe...here's the end of that song lyric lines, everyone who hadn't been a country music fan suddenly laughed their asses off and Pat was their HERO !  (Patrick Higgins--so funny and so loved)
"Well, I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison
And I went to pick her up in the rain
But before I could get to the station in a pickup truck
She got run'd over by a damned old train
And I'll hang around as long as you will let me
And I never minded standing in the rain
You don't have to call me darlin', darlin'
You never even called me, well, I wonder why you don't call me
Why don't you ever call me by my name?"
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Recent Tributes
September 6, 2023
September 6, 2023
Til the day I die, you will always be in my heart Dottie
August 9, 2023
August 9, 2023
Patrick, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY. Not a day goes by that I am unable to think of you. Think you do that on purpose. Things are different now, a lot of hate in this World. Think you knew what was coming and you said, "C-YA BYE"!! Keep a spot open for me, never know when it's my time. Everyday is your birthday up there, but enjoy this special one. Love you Buddy...
Recent stories
April 11, 2021
Cannot believe it has been this long!! I think of Pat nearly every day---sometimes to cuss him out! Often we are reminded in the sayings we used that Pat made up and pioneered. Sure do miss that asshole!!
And Pat would wince at this pic because you can see he was not drinking Bud!

4 Passes for Pat Ride

April 11, 2018

And that tribute ride was planned because we had been loosely talking about a street ride with Pat before his passing. He'd already sold the Markham Harley & had been discussing the possibility of buying another street bike for a road trip (Possibly an older Yamaha?) since he'd recently sold a house & his financial situation was going to be improving in August of 2016 due to a financial obligation coming to an end. Anyway, he would've/could've/should've been on this ride & just might have been with the weather we were blessed with on that ride. It was in the earlier part of October (The weekend of the 8th/9th) & it had rained up in Tahoe (The area where the first phase of our ride ended) the previous weekend & SNOWED the following weekend. But the weekend of our ride, South Lake Tahoe had a high of 70 degrees, sunny & clear! We ALL said it was Pat looking out for us. It was a great ride & we ended it, where else? At the Angels Camp "Higdoo" house. Other non-riders who knew Pat came up to meet us there & celebrate his life & passing. Pat's ex, Martha & his good friend, retired fire captain, Mike DeRoque fixed a spagetti dinner (NO MUSHROOMS!) for us all & we all toasted Pat with Budweisers. Sure felt as though he was with us on that ride.

Rest in peace old friend. Hard to believe it's already been two years since you left us. But hey, we'll see ya, bye!

4 Passes for Pat , Tribute Ride of 2016

April 11, 2018

We started at Brother Jim's House and Rode to Tahoe the First Day and went over a Couple of Passes to get There . The next Day We rode into Nevada , thru Markleville  and Displayed the Finger for Pat in this Group Foto Stop at This Cool Mountain Pass Restaurant on It's Last Day before closing for the Winter . As You may imagine , We ordered a Round of Irish Coffees and Clinked Our Cups to Patrick Sean Higgins !

Let's "Do It Again" .... Seeya-Bye .. 

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