ROY HIGA

1928 - 2005

Roy "Mas" Higa, beloved husband of Helen Higa of Taber, peacefully passed away in Taber on Saturday, October 22, 2005 at the age of 77 years.
Roy was born in White Rock, B.C. on July 24, 1928. He was the third son born to Matsu and Tomi Higa. Roy had two brothers and three sisters. In 1942, the family was interned to Southern Alberta, eventually settling in Taber in 1948, where Roy later met and married Helen Vargovack. Together they raised four children.
Roy took great pride in his 30 year career with the Taber School Division as the Transportation Supervisor. Many people have fond memories of Roy being their favorite school bus driver. Upon his retirement, Roy was able to devote more time to his numerous passions including fishing, gardening, and most importantly, his grandchildren. Besides Helen, his loving wife of 52 years, Roy will be fondly remembered by his four children; Ron (Gloria Bell) Higa of Lethbridge; Debbie (Rick) Neilson of Dubai, U.A.E.; Colleen (Lester) Johnson of Whitefish, Montana; and Rod (Angie) Higa of Taber. Along with his children, Roy is survived by his six grandchildren; Jeremy, Tomi & Kelly Neilson; Kayli & Lindsey Johnson; and Tatum Higa.
Roy is also survived by sisters Fumi (Gin) Nakama of Lethbridge; Fujiko (Joe) Nakama of Lethbridge; Yasue Maruyama of Taber; and sisters-in-law Shinako Higa and Elsie Vargovack both of Taber; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
Roy was predeceased by his parents Matsu and Tomi Higa of Taber; eldest brother Jinsei Higa of Okinawa, Japan; Noriyasu "Nori" Higa of Taber; and brother-in-law Ken Maruyama also of Taber.
At this time the family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Beckie & Dr. Yamabe and all the nurses & staff who cared for Roy throughout his stay in the Taber Hospital.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Taber Buddhist Church, Johnson Addition, Taber on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Yasuo Izumi officiating. Interment to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Roy's name may be made directly to the Taber Hospital Foundation, 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta  T1G 1N9.