Daniel Earl Higgins, Jr.

It is with great sadness and tears that the family of Daniel E. “Dan” Higgins Jr. announces that Dan passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, in Salem, Oregon. Dan was born in Longview, Washington, on October 18, 1954, to Daniel E Higgins Sr. and Marlene K. Chromey. Dan was a proud graduate of R. A. Long High School, Class of 1973, in Longview. 

At a young age, Dan started working in Longview's local grocery stores, then he advanced into warehouse work at the Weyerhaeuser Paper Mill in Longview. In the late 1970's, he joined the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Reserve and served alongside his father and other reservists. 

On September 8, 1989, Dan married the love of his life, Cynthia Diane "Cindy" Higby, and they resided in Beaverton, Oregon. He began working at Damerow Ford in Beaverton, Oregon, where he started his career as a salesperson and was promoted to a Finance Manager position. He was "that” person who placed a stack of papers in front of you to sign when you wanted to buy a car.... The entire time, Dan turned it into a very light and non-threatening process. Dan had a way with words and could generally soften the most tenuous situation. 

In 1998, Dan’s heart needed a surgical double-bypass, and for those who know Dan, he barely missed a beat and was back to work in one month! That bypass surgery was the start of many surgeries and procedures during his lifetime. 

In 2005, Dan changed career paths and spent one year as a security officer for Knighthawk Security in Vancouver, Washington, where he patrolled specific locations during the night hours, looking for any theft or break-in problems at various locations. 

In 2006, Dan secured a position at the Toyota Parts Distribution Center in Portland, Oregon, where he spent 5 years as their front entrance security officer. Dan greeted everyone with a smile and provided directions to the department or person that the guest was looking for. Dan then retired and spent time at home with his wife and their doggies, Myah & Willy. 

Even after his retirement, Dan continued to serve as a volunteer for the Bloodworks Northwest Company when they had blood draws in Longview. Dan was always asked to help with the high schools’ blood draws because he had a special way with the students and helped move them through the blood donation process. 

In 2006, Dan felt the need for speed, so he purchased a Suzuki Boulevard Motorcycle, which he rode on many excursions around the state with his wife. Dan was a member of "The Coyotes" motorcycle club out of Vancouver, Washington. Dan frequently told other riders that when he was on his Suzuki, he was free to move about easily, because his legs were starting to develop neuropathy, and his steps were becoming limited. 

Dan had a genuine sense of humor and was always looking for funny things to say or do, which would certainly lighten the mood at that moment. One of his funniest moments was that he FREQUENTLY was placed in "Facebook Jail" when he posted something which was deemed offensive or politically motivating by the FB oversight team. Dan even purchased a “Facebook Jail” mug and was proud to use it when he could! Dan was always the life of a party! 

Dan is survived by his wife, Cindy. His four children include Michael David Higgins of Boise, Idaho; Shawna Higgins-Buscher of Portland, Oregon; Daniel E. "Chip" Higgins III of Portland, Oregon; and Tiffany Higgins of Portland, Oregon. As part of their marriage, Dan was a loving father-figure to Cindy’s children Amy Lynn Davis of Beaverton, Oregon, and Bradley Allen Davis of Newberg, Oregon. In addition to being a dad and stepdad, Dan was a super loving grampa to Dee and Inga.

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association in honor of Daniel E. Higgins Jr.