Commander Byron "By" R. Higgins, 88, U.S. Navy retired, has ended his final patrol Tuesday, April 17, 2018. He will leave behind his shipmate wife of 65 years, Patricia "Paddy" and their children, his beloved "3 K's": Kerry, Kevin, and Kelly. Daughter Kerry and husband Paul live here in the home port of Ludington; son Kevin and wife Debbie reside in Mason, Ohio; and daughter Kelly and husband Chris reside in Bozeman, Montana.  By is also survived by ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren, who hail from all over this great country.

After retiring from the Navy in 1974, By and Paddy moved to Ludington.  By was a local boy and Paddy an import from England. By was an LHS graduate in the class of 1947.  Both By and Paddy graduated from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, on June 20th, 1953 and then were joined in marriage that same day.

By joined the Navy and received a commission in 1954. He served on four different submarines with duty as the Executive Officer of the USS Wahoo (SS-565) and Commanding Officer of the USS Remora (SS-487).  He also had shore duty in the Bureau of Naval Personnel, the Pentagon. After his Navy retirement he served as Manager of Lincoln Hills Golf Club until final retirement in 1994. Partner Paddy was at his side throughout this second career.

Commander Higgins had two careers and then was lucky to have "Active Duty" retirement in a place with beautiful scenery and friendly "natives".  To all his family and friends he wishes, "Fair winds and following seas." It is customary to put something in the kit bag of departing sailors. By suggests you consider Habitat for Humanity of Mason County for the kit bag of this sailor.

Please join our family for a celebration of life for Byron "By" Higgins at Lincoln Hills Golf Club on Friday, June 22 from 4 to 7 p.m.

If you were a friend or colleague of By's, we'd love to have you join us for an open house to celebrate his life well-lived. As he wished, family will gather to share stories, memories and laughter.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service-Pere Marquette Chapel, Ludington, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com