Patrick Higgins

“

He was a mosaic of unique passions: an avid fisherman and hunter, a dedicated dollar store enthusiast, and a self-proclaimed stock market guru.

Patrick C. Higgins, 78, died Friday October 2, 2026 at Glens Falls Hospital in Glens Falls, NY after a long illness.

He was born October 22, 1947 in Rutland, the son of Charles and Leona (Holcomb) Higgins.

Pat was a graduate of West Rutland High School, class of 1965. He married Deborah Coffin June 24, 1974 in Schenectady, NY. 

Pat was employed as a Surveyor for the state of Vermont for 30 years and was proud to have walked almost every road in the state, as well as setting the first GPS points.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints in Shrewsbury, VT

Pat has officially holstered his gun and left the range. He was a mosaic of unique passions: an avid fisherman and hunter, a dedicated dollar store enthusiast, and a self- proclaimed stock market guru. He was also a skilled and respected competitive shooter- it was a community he loved like family. Though he was kicked out of the school band, his love of music never left him. He owned hundreds of records, every road trip was filled with oldies radio tunes, and he became an official chaperone of the WRHS Marching Band to support his daughter, Laura. It may even surprise some to learn he was the poet laureate of the WRHS class of ‘65.

“

He was a complex, down-to-earth man of faith who really only ever craved a simple life.

He had a great sense of humor and mischief, and he was fiercely loyal to his friends; expressing his love through long conversations, visits across state lines, and copious amounts of gifts.

He was a complex, down-to-earth man of faith who really only ever craved a simple life. His childhood was fraught with instability and as a result, he worked very hard to keep people and things close. Though he often warned that "you can only count on your own fingers," he practiced the opposite by always being willing to help, expecting nothing in return. Pat spent every gathering snapping hundreds of candid pictures. He didn't care about perfect lighting or flattering angles; he just wanted to capture the people that mattered to him (even if it made you cringe later).

The best thing in his life was the one thing he didn’t think he’d want: a family. Through his wife, Deb, he had a faithful and dedicated life companion, raised a daughter, and witnessed the arrival of his grandchildren (as well as several dogs and grand dogs). It was his greatest and scariest adventure.

As Yogi Berra would say, "It ain't over till it's over" and and for Pat, his time on earth is now over.

“

The best thing in his life was the one thing he didn’t think he’d want: a family.

Survivors are his wife Deborah Higgins, of West Rutland; his daughter Laura Elizabeth Higgins and her husband Christian Saunders, of Pittsburgh, Pa; his grandchildren, Callum and Maeve Saunders. Also by his sister Theresa Higgins and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday October 22, 2026 at 11 A.M. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 637 North Shrewsbury Rd, North Clarendon VT 05769.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either, the American Diabetes Association, sent online or by check to: P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023, or to a charity of your choice.

Please join us in saying farewell and honoring his life (and birthday) on Thursday, October 22nd at 11:00 am, and a reception following.  A video will be made available for those unable to attend the service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.