Terrence Higgins ... enjoyed watching Patriots; at 75

ROCHESTER - Terrence George Higgins died peacefully on July 11, 2022 from pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Manchester on April 8, 1947, Terry's name was selected by his two older brothers, Jim and Jack, who named him after a popular comic strip, Terry and the Pirates. His childhood in Hooksett was filled with sports and outdoor activities: skiing every weekend all winter long, swimming and boating all summer, and generally trying to keep up with his brothers. Terry played baseball and football, which he loved and carried him to the Maine Central Institute as a sophomore in high school.

After high school, Terry used his love for music and fine speaking voice to try a short career in radio. He attended school for communications, but his career did not last long after getting a bit too excited when announcing a Dartmouth football game. At that point, Terry thought it best to enjoy watching football instead of announcing, which he did faithfully the rest of his life as a Patriots fan.

Eager to explore a bit after high school, Terry attended tiny William Penn College (now called William Penn University) in Oskaloosa, Iowa where he majored in history. Since his college days were at the height of the Vietnam War, Terry served first in the Army National Guard and then in the Air Force National Guard, where he served as a cook. It was at college that Terry met the love of his life, Margaret (Peg) Ruth Ehninger, on a blind date. Their two roommates set them up on the date and since Terry was 21 at the time and could buy beer, Peg agreed to go. The date worked, because the two were married in 1971. Terry brought his bride back to New Hampshire where they started their family.

Terry and Peg began their home life in Goffstown, but later moved to Durham, then finally Rochester. Their first child, Katherine (Kate) arrived in 1977. She changed their lives forever, mainly by barely sleeping for the first few months. Nevertheless, Terry and Peg were undeterred and welcomed a second daughter, Sarah, in 1980. They provided an idyllic childhood for their girls, filled with travel, adventure, laughter, and music. Weekends were spent skiing, playing golf, or on their boat; weekdays the importance of a good education was emphasized. Terry taught the girls and several of their friends how to ski or how to play golf. The dinner table was filled with conversation about the day's events, reports of what happened at school or work, and debate over politics. No matter where he lived, Terry's favorite activity was to joke with neighbors as they walked by, a skill he perfected through many years of practice. And the family knew that no matter where they traveled, he would point out every golf course.

To support his family, Terry followed his father's footsteps into the field of sales for transportation. Through his career, Terry worked for Nelson Transportation, Holmes Transportation, ABF Transport, and APA Transportation before starting his own business, TGH Logistics. He believed in honesty, hard work, and integrity, making many friends through work and on the golf course. To him, family was always most important and he dedicated everything that he did and accomplished to his family. His pets were very dear to him and always brought a smile to his face. His entire family, especially his grandchildren, will remember fondly his infectious laugh and his engaging (and sometime outrageous) stories that were always entertaining to hear. His face lit up for his grandchildren every time he saw them.

Terry is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Peg Higgins, and their dog Carmen; his daughter Kate McBrien and her husband Mason McBrien, and Terry's two grandchildren Alden and Cora along with their dog Rufus; his daughter Sarah Higgins husband Bryan Warner and stepdaughter Audrey; his brother Jim Higgins and wife Susan; his brother Jack Higgins and wife Lynda; as well as nieces, a nephew, cousins, and many friends. Terry wishes to thank the many doctors and nurses who helped keep him alive and thriving for years. He and his family greatly appreciate their support, knowledge, and caring.