Arthur R. Higginbottom

Arthur R. Higginbottom, of Tunis Mills, MD, passed away Thursday, November 30, 2006 at Memorial Hospital, Easton, MD at the age of 97. Born November 20, 1909 in Millbury, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Harry and Florence Higginbottom. After attending the Millbury schools, he graduated from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a B.A. in Chemistry and Physics (1932) and a Masters Degree (1941). During the summers of his college years, he directed the Herald Tribune Fresh Air Fund camp on the Hudson River. Arthur met the love of his life, the late Roberta MacRae Higginbottom, at the Tribune office in New York and they were married for 65 years. During the second World War Arthur taught celestial navigation as a lieutenant in the Navy and was honorably discharged in Chincoteague, Virginia. He then accepted a teaching position in Talbot County became Supervisor of Instruction and finished 31 years of dedication to Talbot County education as Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Community involvement was always a major focus for Arthur. He devoted his leadership skills and energy to numerous local organizations including Easton Concert Association, Talbot Music Club, Maryland Retired Teachers Association, Talbot Country Club, Easton Rotary Club. During his six years as president of the Talbot County YMCA he was instrumental in building community support for the construction of the current facility. He was a member of All Faith Chapel in Tunis Mills where he served faithfully on the Vestry. Arthur cherished his family and often said that family was the most important thing in life. A loving father and teacher, he was the backbone of his entire family. He is survived by four children: Pamela Carey and her husband Hugh of Towson, Dr. Philip A. Higginbottom and his wife Terry of Leucadia CA, Dr. Mark A. Higginbottom and his wife Rhonda of Easton, and Claudia Parsons and her husband Richard of West Chester PA; nine grandchildren: Kristen Schulze, Lindsey Bean, Bradley Carey, Heidi Higginbottom, Dr. Ryan Higginbottom, Dr. Erik Higginbottom, Kyle Higginbottom, Andrew Parsons and Lisa Parsons: and one sister, Ruth Ellen Higginbottom, of South Yarmouth MA. A memorial service will be held at 12 noon, Wednesday, December 6, at St. Mark’s United Methodist church, 100 Peachblossom Road, Easton. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Talbot County YMCA Scholarship Fund, Arthur R. Higginbottom Organ Fund, c/o All Faith Chapel, 26281 Tunis Mills Road, Easton MD 21601, or a charity of your choice.