Wade William Higgins passed away unexpectedly during the early hours of April 4, 2016 while visiting family in California. He was 58 years old.
Wade was born in Miles City, Montana and also resided in Sidney and Helena, Montana. He is preceded in death by his parents Roy and Albina Higgins of Townsend, Montana. Wade is survived by Carole Carranco his eternal best friend and the mother of his children; his children Andrea Tsitsilianos, Matthew Higgins, and Christina O’Malley; his sons-in-law Spiro Tsitsilianos and Kevin O’Malley; his grandchildren Yanni and Sophia Tsitsilianos; his brother Doug Higgins, Doug’s wife Jeannette and their children Bryon, Lorissa, and Scott; Wade’s sister Dianna Jenks and her son Trevor.
Wade graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Miles City in 1975 and attended Miles Community College in Miles City. He was a trusted Master Plumber for over 30 years prior to accepting a Mechanical Engineer and Lead Plumber position at Sidney Health Care Center and Hospital; improving, maintaining and repairing the hospital’s critical infrastructure. Wade was a driven problem solver who often took on difficult situations and provided advice to his professional colleagues.
Wade’s natural tendency to selflessly help others transcended past his professional life. Wade’s passion for sports and coaching enabled him to mentor numerous young athletes for little guy football in Helena. Wade enjoyed watching his childrens’ sporting activities, spending time with his loving family, enjoying scenery during long drives, listening to music of all sorts, and he loved to cook for his family and for large gatherings. He had a warm and inviting personality that everyone gravitated towards. Three things he never lacked was affection, being the life of the party, and a good punch line. Wade had a contagious smile, and a laugh that will never be forgotten.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City; with Internment afterwards at the Calvary Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Mike & Myrna Higgins says
Love, prayers, and tears from cousin Mike and Myrna Higgins
Cheri Thomason says
Carol and kids, Thoughts and prayers with all of you during this time of sadness. May God wrap you in His loving arms and bring you peace knowing that Wade is there in heaven with Him.
Anita and Jim Scheeler says
Carol and Family,
We are so sorry for your sudden loss. He was a great friend of mine and have many great memories of him. Our prayers are with you. Jim Scheeler and family
Ronda Higgins Rogge says
Thoughts and Prayers to all of you. The Ralph and Inge Higgins Family.
Kathy Damm Culy says
Sending hugs and prayers to Wades family,
Growing up and being neighbors, there are many great memories of Wade .
IMy deepest sympathy to all.
Rachal Conner says
I can never say enough about Wade and how he was such a great person! He could always make me laugh no matter what! Growing up, he was like a dad to me. I have some of the best memories with your family and I love you all dearly. Such a sudden loss, and my heart aches with you.
Rachal
Tad Leach says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Matt and the family
Phil & Terry Lamping says
Matt, Andrea and Chrissy,
This is still hard to believe. It seems like Brandon was just commenting about Wade’s green Chili that he had made once for us. He said it was the best he had ever had. All three of our boys loved Wade and the commitment he made to each of them, and everyone else in his life. There are nothing but great memories of Wade piling the kids in his car to haul them to Small Fry Football practice. The dedication he had to teaching the kids respect, sportsmanship and how to kick butt are second to none. He will be greatly missed.
Randy and Gail says
So sorry to hear about your dad. We had a lot of fun times with him when the boys played high school football. He will be missed by everyone. Our thought and prayers are with all of you.
Sincerely your. Randy and Gail Murgel
Cathy Beck-Jenkins says
Carol, Matt, Chrissy and Andrea,
We’re so sorry to hear about Wade. We had so much fun with all of you when the boys were in high school football. Some of our best memories are with all of the kids and the cheering parents. Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dan and Cathy Jenkins
Teri Sanford Muggli says
Wade and I went to school together. We haven’t stayed in touch over the years. I always remember Wade as being smart , quiet, and kind. So sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and friends. Wishing you all peace
Patti (Terhaar) Jesso says
My thoughts are with you all during this most difficult time. I went to school with Wade and he never missed an opportunity to give me a smile and hello. May he rest im peace in the arms of God.
Tracee Raymond-Waples says
I am so very sorry of the loss of Wade as he was a great guy and a wonderful person. He is going to be dearly missed by his friends and the community that he was living in. Your family will all be in my thoughts and prayers!
Shannon Halsey-Holmen says
I remember his hard work ethic even in high school as a dedicated wrestler. He was always very kind to me. My prayers.
Marlys Anvik says
It is very hard to imagine our Team without Wade. He was such a wonderful guy to work with and he provided many funny memories for our staff and residents. He will be greatly missed by the EXtended Care Team. Rest in Peace Wade!
David C. Earwood says
Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for the loss of my good friend Wade. What a fun guy to hang out with. His door was always open, the beer was always cold and there was always something good cooking in that kitchen. I will never forget my buddy Wade.
Rita Steinbeisser says
My deepest sympathy to the friends and family of Wade. He will be greatly missed in the halls of Sidney Health Center. He always greeted everyone with a smile and a warm hello. May you find comfort in the love of family and friends during this difficult time.
Jen Doty says
My deepest sympathy to Wade’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed at Sidney Health Center. It was a joy to work with him. Sending my thoughts and prayers.
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Sashua Hier says
Our deepest thoughts and prayers for Wade’s family and friends. It was a joy to working with a dedicated and kind man. Sending many prayers and thoughts.
From everyone in the Labraotry at Sidney Health Center
Chris Choate Raible says
Sending my condolences to you and your family at this sad time.
God Bless,
Chris Choate Raible
Terry and Sylvia Lamping says
Blessings to all of Wade’s family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Wade will be terribly missed.
Viola L. Anderson says
Wade will truly be missed. Griz football will never be the same. His memory will live on for ever. When the Griz score, we’ll honor your tradition with one for you too Wade. My sincerest condolensces to his family. He spoke frequently and fondly of you all.
Senja Linjanen says
Wade always had one of the most infectious smiles and laughter. I can not remember a time where he was ever not smiling or cracking a joke. I remember growing up and staying at their house we would always wake up to some of the best breakfasts. He would always cook breakfast like he was feeding an army even though it was for a few ‘little’ girls. Thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time. Wade will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Cori Munsell says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Nadine Whitehead says
So Sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.
Joan Damm Smith says
My condolences to the Higgins family. Wade was our neighbor growing up and I have good memories of playing together and just enjoying a great childhood with the kids on the block…..May God bless you and hold you close during this sad time. Joan Damn Smith
Debbie Murgel Schramm says
I am so sorry to hear of wades passing, he was a good person and always had a smile on his face and a laugh I will not forget He was a fun person. He will be looking down upon you all and smiling. He will be in your hearts forever. He will me missed by all. Keep your chins up and remember the good times you had with him. love you all Debbie Murgel Schramm
Tom and Penny Schmidt says
Carole, your children and grand children, and also Wade’s siblings, we were so sorry to learn of Wade’s passing. Tom has many good memories of Wade from growing up near each other and playing together to going through Sacred Heart together. Hold your memories close and let them comfort your hearts. You are all in our thoughts and in our prayers. Peace be with you.
Chuck Murray says
Our condolences to Carol, Andrea, Matt , Chrissy and family for your loss. Wade old buddy I’m going to miss you!
Chuck and Lindi Murray
Kathleen Patrick says
I always loved visiting your home. I loved the laughter. It was fun watching you kids grow up and mature into wonderful adults. Wade went so soon. I wish it could have been different. But this is the way it is. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Kathy Patrick (Higgins)
Judy Sweeney Wolfe says
Carol and family I am so sorry for you loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Judy Sweeney Wolfe
Deb Redmond says
Carol and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. We loved when you lived down the street and the kids would play together. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Deb and Larry Redmond
Michael Carr says
Doug , I’m so sorry to hear about wade’s passing. I remember the kindness and respect he showed others in high school. I will always remember his smile and caring heart ! The world just lost a very good man ! You and your family are in our thoughts and Prayers.
Sincerely , The Carr Family
Chuck Eatinger says
Carol,
I was very sorry to hear about Wade. I was Wade’s barber in Helena and he was my master plumber – always ready to do things on the spur of the moment when I needed him to work on my rentals and my own home. I always had lots of respect for him. Wade was a really great friend.
Kerry and mark mccullough says
I am sorry to hear of wades passing,heaven has gained another angel.will keep wade in my prayers, Kerry hom mccullough.
Kurt Cadlo says
I am so sorry hear about Wades death. He was a great guy at all times. I have a lot of great memories of all us having good times together. He will be missed but he will always live on in your hearts and memories. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kurt Cadlo
Maureen O'Reilly says
Carol and all of Wade’s family. I am so sorry to hear of Wade’s passing, my girls remember him and you, with great memories. He helped Joan and Willie (Thibault) with a plumbing problem when they lived in Sheridan, MT. My prayers and sympathy go out to you.
Joy Lewis says
I worked with Wade who was the contracted plumber for Son Heaven Assisted Living in Helena some years ago now. I oversaw maintenance and it didn’t matter at all that I was a woman, Wade treated me like an equal and taught me a lot about plumbing and boilers. I remember listening a lot to pipes and their sounds with him. He diagnosed many problems this way. He was a gem and he had spunk. I haven’t seen him in years but I have thought of him often. My heartfelt sympathies to all his family and close friends.
Diane Rewerts says
Always loved Carole and Wade and have fond memories of time spent with them. Thinking of you. So sorry.
Love,
Diane Connors Rewerts
WAYNE AND CAROL HIGGINS says
WAYNE AND I ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. WE KNOW HOW HARD THIS IS. BUT IF HE LEFT A BIG HOLE IN YOUR LIVES THEN HIS LIFE WAS WORTH SO MUCH. WE OFTEN LAUGHED ABOUT THE CONFUSION OF LIVING IN HELENA WITH WADE. WE GOT MANY CALLS FOR A PLUMBER. AND THE CONFUSION AT ALL OUR DOCTORS APTS. FROM WADE AND CAROL TO WAYNE AND CAROL IT WAS AN EASY MISTAKE. YOU WILL BE MISSED.
Tanna Bloxom Patt says
Carole and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I love you with all my heart. God speed Wade!