ROBERT NORMAN HIGBEE

April 10, 1954 - August 13th, 2014

This page contains the available material from the services on August 15th 2014 including a copy o the program, talks from each of the speakers (if available) and some pictures from the slideshow.

Donations can be sent the the Perpetual Education Fund in the name of Bob Higbee

Links:

Drew Higbee - Art of Manliness

As another weekday weekend rolled around for me I pick up the phone and give dad a call. It was always easy to call at the best time for Dad since it’s generally when I was waking up around 11 am. Predictably he’d answer in two or three rings and let me know he was relaxing on the patio eating lunch and watching Jet. Well he never said he was watching Jet he’d always make an offhand comment about ‘your dog did barked at me to move her cushion’. He would go over his day so far, generally consisting of a project he was working on while mom wasn’t around to supervise him and tell him he needed to rest, then he’d tell me about the week. Maybe it would be home teaching, or taking someone to the gun range, but he always had a plan for his week and he always had advice to pass on. I would listen as he passed on import life lessons and I could picture him in my mind’s eye dropping Jet some bread. Most of the time it wasn’t an in your face life lesson that was being told to me, but rather the important life lesson of living each day in service to others. Many of you have told me stories of Dad assisting you in some small way, he believed in a life of service. Rolling up your sleeves and getting work done was generally dad’s way of helping with any problem. A family we would home teach may mention that their sink was having a small issue. The next day we’d be back in our work gloves and he’d fix it. Talents were to be shared freely, helping others was a privilege we have as those who are fortunate and able bodied. He taught me nothing goes further than a simple kind deed.

Next to service, dad loved education and exemplified the phrase “Lifelong learner.” He was always reading and even asked for text books from us boys. During our calls he would say things like ‘wow your biology textbook was so interesting!’ I don’t know maybe they are when you aren’t being graded on them, I’ll have to read it again and get back to you. The last few years he was taking what he dubbed ‘old people classes’ from which he would send the PowerPoint presentations on development of railroads, architectural wonders of the world, and the history behind Lawrence of Arabia to me via email and would ask me questions about them. He always had that passion to learn more and improve himself. He was so grateful to know so many of the teachers in this room today and the positive force you all are for your students.2

Most of all my Dad loves my mother. He was proud of mom and her passion as an educator, her loving dedication to our family, and her impressive lung capacity often used to keep us boys in line or direct carpool. Nobody could ask for a better example of a loving father or a doting husband. We are lucky to have had his example as men growing up for how to treat your wife, as a beloved and appreciated partner.

As I helped Dad out of bed two weeks ago at 4 in the morning he looked at me and asked “How am I going to talk to you when I am gone? I can’t just call you up on the phone. Do you think you’ll need to sit and listen for it?” I didn’t have a good answer then but I do now. I’ll make sure to sit on my patio for lunch and listen. Whether it be a departed love one or heavenly father you are listening for I encourage all of you to do the same, then put on your work gloves and get back to work.

Royce Higbee - Life Lessons

Good Afternoon Brothers and Sisters.

We want to thank ya’ll for being here. Some of you may be having a flashback to the last time I was standing behind a pulpit getting ready to give a talk, and I want to ease your fears and let you know that today’s topics will be much lighter in nature and much less dramatic.

I’d like to spend a few minutes talking about some of life lessons and values my father passed on to me.

"There are lots of different types of tools and each one has their own use, but every shovel has two ends."

During my formative years I was a part of many different church and civil service projects on top of the yard work that my family would have me and my brothers do. My dad taught me that every tool has a purpose and if you use the right tool for the right job it makes it go that much easier. He also taught me that every shovel (and stick for that matter) has two ends and that you need to be aware of your surroundings to ensure proper use and the safety of those around you, even if it’s only the other scouts.

While my tools are not yet as organized as my dad’s some of my favorite tools are my both a flat nosed and round nosed shovel, which my dad, little brother and I used to install my patio last year.

"Stoplights are the world’s greatest equalizer"

Elegantly simple this is one of my favorite pieces of Bob Higbee knowledge. No matter your status, what kind of car you have or how you choose to drive it, everyone is supposed to stop when the light goes red. As a teenager I would tear from light to light, only to have the soccer mom in the minivan pull up next to me at Park and Preston.

Now as an “adult” I grin and think of my dad as someone roars off the line next to me in an exotic sports car (or a young kid in his beater) and I pull up next to them at the next light. There are some laws (be they mans or gods) that everyone must follow and there are no shortcuts.

"Focus and keep it on the paper"

My father has taken many of us to the range, and he was a great shot. He taught me patience, precision and to aim for a target that was attainable, before honing my skill and changing to a smaller more difficult to hit target.

I’ve tried to incorporate this into my personal and professional life as well. Constantly improving and setting new goals, and refining the craft while still keeping my eye on the overall goal and celebrating achievements

"Money is just the grease that makes the wheels turn easier."

As a young kid growing up in Plano this didn’t make any sense to me. Money was everything… I wanted cars, clothes, video games, toys, the newest tech gadget and my family seemed to have the ability to make it happen. If money was just the grease that made life easier, then why did he tell me to get a job, work hard, set goals instead of just making it easier for me to obtain these things and use his money… to buy me what I wanted?

As a man I now realize that he instilled in me the value of a hard earned dollar, what something actually costs after taxes, and the discipline to avoid buying the things I want to save for the things that my family and friends might one day need, thus making life easier for those that matter when its needed the most.

"If you can do it.. Do it... If you can’t do it chunk it up into small enough pieces that you can do it while your wife is at work, then don't draw attn. That’s the Higbee mentality "

If he was willing to hide this amount of work from my mom, just imagine the amount of work he was doing behind the rest of our backs. Service to others is something that my dad constantly taught to my brothers and I and a currency he used to show how much he cared for you. He urged us to jump in willingly and selflessly and to work side by side with anyone and everyone until the job was done, not just when we had finished our piece.

He taught me that there is no task too big that without planning, and the will to get it done you can’t accomplish. He also taught me to take pride in the work that I do each and every day and to do the best I can with what I have. The rest will work itself out, eventually.

Smart, funny, humble and hard working. Life lessons I was lucky enough to have him teach me as a father and show me as a role model. He has set a great example of what I can be if I apply myself. I hope that one day I can have a similar kind of impact on those in my life that he has had on each of us.

Thank you.

Larry Nelson- The Plan of Salvation

My Brothers and Sisters, Beloved Family Members and Dear Friends of Bob Higbee:

The weight of my responsibility, in paying tribute to Bob, and in celebrating his life today, is truly one unequalled in my life, and it is my prayer that the Spirit of Our Heavenly Father might abide with us as we reflect upon the passing this fine man, who will be forever in our memory as a loving, faithful and devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend.

I am also grateful for the opportunity to listen to the expressions of most sincere respect, and deep heart-felt love and appreciation for their Brother and Dad, as expressed by Ken, Drew and Royce…..as I also look forward to hearing from Alex, following my comments.

At the request of the Higbee Family, my assignment in speaking today is to focus on Bob’s deep abiding faith and belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father’s Plan for all of His spiritual children….This foundation was recognized, by all who knew Bob, as the main driving force and guiding light in his life.

I believe that Bob would want me to preface my remarks today by acknowledging the fact that we spend our days on earth questioning our eternities; and through our faith in Jesus Christ, we can come to understand specific and exacting truth that answers the following questions: Where do we come from? Why are we here? And following our lives on earth, where are we going?

It has been revealed to us, that our lives can be compared to a three-act play: premortal life (before we came to earth), mortal life (our time here on earth), and postmortal life (where we go after we die).
God has had a plan for our lives since the beginning of the first act—a plan that, if followed, provides comfort and guidance now, as well as salvation and eternal happiness in our postmortal life.

Understanding the following principles can help us live happier lives now and in eternities to come:

We believe God is the Father of our spirits. We are created in His image. We have a divine nature and destiny.
We believe that before we were born, we lived with God, the Father of our spirits. All persons on earth are literally brothers and sisters in the family of our Heavenly Father.
We believe that our life on earth has purpose. Coming to earth is part of our Heavenly Father’s plan for us to gain a physical body, to learn to choose between good and evil, to learn to repent and to forgive……
We believe our Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior, and to atone for our sins; and to show us the way to live according to God's plan.
We believe that following our Heavenly Father's plan for us is the surest way to find happiness and endure all of life's challenges and finally,
We believe our lives will not end when we die. Our future lives are determined by the way we live our lives now. And perhaps most importantly, We Can Live with our families forever in the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father.

William Wordsworth once wrote:

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,   60
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come   65
From God, who is our home:

I also believe that Bob would want us to understand that he now knows the truth of these things. He truly believed that our lives had a heavenly origin, and this divine birthright provides us all with the opportunity to live in peace and happiness with our family and loved ones forever. The prefect knowledge of the “truth” of these things, and the continued influence of the Holy Ghost will forever be his eternal companion; and he desires the same for us….

William Jordan once wrote,

“Truth is the rock foundation of every character. It is loyalty to the right as we see it; it is courageous living of our lives in harmony with our ideals; it is always---power…..Faith in “truth” is an essential to the perfect knowledge of the truth. No matter how dark and dreary the future may appear, we must have faith that “truth” will ultimately win, and error will be identified for what it is.”

From The Old Testament, in Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3: verses 1-8, we are given insights into our own “three act plays” here on earth:

“1 TO every thing there is a a season•, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time• to be born, and a time to die•; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”

Our Savior and Brother Jesus Christ taught:

“…I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live•:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die….”

And from the words of the Apostle Paul:

“For as in Adam all die•, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

Bob believed, had hope and great faith, and has gained a perfect knowledge of the “truth” of these things; and he lived his life committed to these teachings and principles.

John Donne once wrote:

DEATH, BE NOT PROUD
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow Die not, poor Death,
nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure;
then from thee much more must flow,
And sooner our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell;
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well,
And better than thy stroke;
why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally,
And death shall be no more;
Death, thou shalt die.

Death has no “proud” hold on our dear friend Bob or any of the spiritual sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father; and for this reason, I choose hereafter to not think of Bob’s passing as a final good-bye, but as just a passing of time and state, and to focus on his life, and the fine husband and great dad that he is, and his present desire for the comfort, well-being and eternal joy of his family and loved ones.
In providing this brief review our these most important beliefs regarding our Heavenly Father’s Plan and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I have accomplished my assignment today, and in my allotted time….and I know Bob would want any of you who may desire to know more about his hope, faith and perfect knowledge of this truth, to please take this opportunity to find out more…..In our hearts and memories, Bob will be forever a missionary, and teacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Now, if I may ask for your brief patience with me, I too would like to share a few thoughts and feelings about our friend and brother Bob Higbee……

Bob Higbee is one of the most genuine, dedicated, trustworthy, and caring individuals I have ever known. Numerous times throughout his life, he came to the rescue of people in extreme need, many times total strangers, performed miraculous service, and blessed the lives of so many, while never seeking any acknowledgement or favor in return for his efforts.

His humble serving nature was exhibited, much like his testimony of Jesus Christ, and ever present in his daily interactions. “What can I do to help?” was Bob’s normal way to begin and end almost every conversation; and his dedicated service is legendary among all those who have ever served with him, or observed his devotion to any calling he received, or commitment he made.

Even with his highly resolute approach to life, Bob was also very sensitive to the needs of others, especially his family. Linda, the boys, and now the boys’ wives Jess and Keri also, owned Bob; and as a result, the mediation between some long defended principle of Bob’s domestic law and constitution would ultimately teeter, then fall and crumble under the weight of his melting resignation and acceptance of their needs, and their heart-felt desires. This conclusion would always come as a result of his deep love, care and devotion to his family, and their well-being.

Bob Higbee was one book you could never judge by the cover! Who would have ever guessed that underneath that “humble, vigilant, accountant and forever dedicated-good-guy-countenance” truly existed a man of great passions…..with his greatest devotion reserved for his Savior and Heavenly Father, his beautiful wife Linda, his great sons, his family and friends, his church and brothers and sisters in the Gospel………and fast, beautiful and amazing types of automobiles….from European and extreme luxury, to vintage early Model Ford sedans; and last but not least, an amazing appreciation for high velocity, big bore, fully automatic and semi-automatic guns of all-types, and always out-fitted with the state-of-the-art optics and laser sights. To experience an hour at the shooting range with Bob was so much fun because Bob wanted everyone to have the same appreciation for these hobbies and pursuits he enjoyed so much…….I truly looked forward to these adventures with Bob and Bob’s many friends from all walks of life…….always followed by great cheeseburgers, milk shakes, and molten vanilla ice cream cake……..and really bad jokes about what a terrible shot I am!

Bob will always be remembered for his attention to detail and ability to focus. If a problem existed, Bob would not stop until he had fully analyzed the situation and all available information, and formed his recommended solution to the problem. His counsel to Church leaders, business associates, friends and family members will be forever honored and respected. He would never let you fail……….

Bob Higbee has been one the great champions of my life. He was a warrior! As he faced the ravages surrounding his brave and valiant battle with cancer, and related chemo therapy, radiation therapy, debilitating medicines, and so many tests and surgeries, I never heard Bob ever complain about his pain, circumstances, or question why this was happening to him. He could have quit at any time….he did not…… His only expression of regret was that he may be unable to be with Linda, the boys and their families in their future times of need…..

To Bob’s sons, I would ask you to always remember how happy you made your father, and how proud he is of you. As you focus on the future and recognize that you are forever under the loving watchful eye of your Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ; and you are eternally blessed by the Holy Ghost---The Comforter, who will always be your guide for choosing the right and direction you should go….. You are enveloped in the constant love and care, and always supportive influence of your wonderful Mom, who will always be there for you; you are loved and appreciated by so many loving family members and close dear friends; and I want you to always remember that your Dad is always nearby, and will direct the choruses of angels that I know have attended your family, and will continue to attend to your care always.
I would never let your Dad’s memory be dimmed or the nature of his great love for you be lessened, by the challenges he faced while battling cancer. He will be with you always….in your happiest days, and in time of challenge and sorrow.

He will be a source of inspiration when times are difficult, and his legacy will be a source of pride, as you recognize his traits in your personal character, especially as you pursue the attainment of all the good things in your lives, as he would want you to achieve. You are going to catch yourselves thinking, “I sound just like my Dad!!!” ….and that is a great thing!!! He will always be your Dad, and he is with you now and forever.

To Linda, Bob loves you so much, and will continues to do so always…. You gave him the understanding, love and tenderness in life that allowed him grow and develop into the strong and sensitive great man that he will always be….. I have always believed that wives take up the responsibility of raising their husbands, and you were no exception to this rule. You have done a great job! You understood his heart and his humor, you knew what made him happy, what challenged him; and most importantly you are the Mother of his sons….. You were his “cause,” and gave him the faith and courage to face and endure all adversity, no matter what the circumstances. Your never failing example of love and compassion for Bob, will always be remembered by those who watched you accept and embrace all of the challenges that have come into your lives. You will always be Bob’s greatest blessing in life.......

In closing, I want to say how much Bob’s example of courage and great strength has meant to me, and members of my family during these past many years. During my last visit with Bob, I thought that if it be possible, I hoped my Heavely Father would have Bob please come and be with each of us, at the time when we pass from this mortal existence. I want his great moral support, and re-assurance that “all is well” and “it is going to be OK”…….just like he has offered these words during so many moments in each of our relationships……Bob always taught me to doubt and steer away from the bad and the dark side of things, and always believe and embrace in the good and the light……

I pray that the day will come when we can all kneel at the right hand of our Savior and Brother Jesus Christ and rejoice over the many great blessings of joy, love, and happiness that have been derived by all of us through our relationships with one another through the Gospel of Jesus Christ……Especially today, as we are thankful for the life and example of our brave and dear friend Bob Higbee, and I truly look forward to the eternities, as we reunite with him in the Kingdom of Our Heavenly Father……

I leave these thoughts and words with you, In The Name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Alex Higbee - Resurrection

Afternoon,

It may seem odd but one of the most entertaining things I've done in the past month was go shopping for funeral services and a burial plot for my dad with Mom and Royce. This was two days into the "we're inside the 72 hr window" which was of course 3 weeks ago. We should have known better by now. Armed with the patented Higbee droll sense of humor darkened by 11 years of "he could go any day now" we terrorized several local establishments with our own traveling road show that probably left even those used to dealing with funerals professionally scarred for life. It was really fun.

While looking at mausoleum crypts set into the wall, or "condos" as we call them at our house, the salesman extolled the calm atmosphere of the location and the large windows in front that opened onto a lush garden scene with a nice shaded pond and fountain. My mom said, half to us and half to the salesman, "Well, he's not really going to be in there, you know".

We are spiritual beings joined with a body for the soul

What she meant, of course, is that while my dad's body would be interred somewhere, that body is merely a shell to hold the part of him that does not cease to exist at death. And it is the same with us - each of us is a son or daughter of God with an eternal and everlasting spirit that dwells in this imperfect frame for a season until it is time to move on. When we were born these spirits gained a mortal body and when we go we leave this temporary habitation behind. When a new child is born into this world we rejoice and despite the difficulties of separation we should also be happy for those who pass into the next stage of our existence. I'm sure those on the other side are also having their own joyful reunions.

Spirit and body have temporary separation at death

This separation of body and spirit is a temporary condition. It is not permanent. Christ has made possible the victory over death and the grave. In Mark 16:5-6 we read about the experience of the three women who were the first to visit Christ's tomb on the third day.

5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

In this as in all things, Christ is our example and offers this gift of the resurrection freely to all his brethren and sisters.

1 COR 15:20-22

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

This gift of the resurrection is offered to all and eternal judgements are rendered only afterwards.

Resurrection is reuniting of spirit with perfect body, permanently

We know that because of Jesus Christ all men and women will receive the great blessing of the resurrection when our spirits will be united with a perfect body, never again to know physical pain and suffering and free from the ailments which trouble us in this world.

In Luke 24:36-42 we learn about our condition after the resurrection as Christ appeared to his disciples as a group for the first time:

36 ¶ And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them.

Christ is not a spirit only, but a perfect individual with a real visible and tangible body that he allowed his disciples to handle and even ate food to show them what a resurrected being is like. This now inseparable combination of perfect body and eternal spirit is proof of His victory over death and the example for all of us of what is to come.

The prophet Amulek gave a powerful explanation of this to a man who refuted the Savior's divine role:

Alma 11:42-45

42 Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.
43 The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God,knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.
44 Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.
45 Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption.

External life with our families

My dad is not extinct. He has not ceased to exist, but he is just not there. He has just gone ahead for a little while and while this absence will be difficult it is part of our Heavenly Father's plan for each of us to come to earth and gain a body, to learn how to make choices and suffer setbacks and experience joys. When our time comes we, too, will shed our mortal frame and someday resurrect with a perfect body with which to live forever. So will my dad. In fact, he'll probably involved in organizing it. Just watch out because when you see him again he will have a list of things for you to do.

Only a few things in life are of enduring value because they are the only things we can take with us into eternity: who we are, what we know, and our relationships.

When my parents were married the officiator did not insert a built-in expiration date to their marriage. He did not say, "until death do you part". He said, "for time and for all eternity". As children of parents who formed their marriage with these covenants we know that our family unit is eternal. Death does not end these bonds.

I am grateful for this relationship and this understanding, for a Savior who made it possible, and for a father who taught me these things and whose light shined brightly in his own home. And I look forward to going out to the workbench and working with him on some new project someday.

Gallery from Visitation