Stanley Dale Higgins

Stanley D. Higgins Dec. 23, 1946 – May 9, 2015 Resident of Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz, Soquel A ceremony is being planned to say farewell to husband, son, brother and friend, Stan Higgins, who passed away unexpectedly at his Soquel home on May 9, 2015. Born in Stockton, California, he was raised there and moved to the Santa Cruz area 44 years ago. Stan was a graduate of San Jose State University's School of Engineering, but chose to work as an arborist instead. His career in Santa Cruz spanned over 44 years. Stan was knowledgeable and passionate about trees and he will be missed by many colleagues and clients who benefited from his expertise. He worked many years with Williams Tree Service in Santa Cruz, then in Vermont with Stowe Tree Service, in Colorado with Greenleaf Tree Service, and later retired from the tree crew at UCSC, where he experienced his most satisfying professional years. Stan was regarded as the premier arborist in Santa Cruz County, and he will be missed by many colleagues and clients who benefited from his expertise. In his younger days, Stan was an expert swimmer, football player, golfer, water skier, snow skier, sailor and bicyclist. Stan liked just about anything the outdoors had to offer. Stan also enjoyed playing the drums, and in the 1970's played with rock and jazz bands including the "Feltones"; a local group. He is survived by his wife, Susan Tappero, of Santa Cruz, and her children: Olivia Bodnar and Angie Woodard. Stan also leaves his mother, Betty Higgins, of Union City, his sister, Kay Tiffany, of Stockton, and his ever-present cat, Blue. If you would like information on the upcoming farewell ceremony for Stan, you can visit www.pacificgardenschapel,.com and leave your thoughts or condolences. Stan will be laid to rest in a private ceremony beside his late father, Donald Higgins, in Stockton Rural Cemetery in late summer.