Delphin Paul Higham

Delphin Paul, (Del P.) Higham, PhD, age 88, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at his home in Sun City, AZ, peacefully in his sleep. He was the loving and devoted husband to Lorraine (Wilson) Higham, for 48 years, who preceded him in death on August 2, 2009. Born April 23, 1928 in Los Angeles, CA; the son of the late Uriel Leo Higham, Sr. and Arvilla Geneva (Mitchell) Higham. He was also preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Leo, Nancy, George, Georgina, and Bonnie. Del graduated in 1947 from West Hollywood High School, in Los Angeles, CA, where he enjoyed surfing during lunch and being a track star. He then attended college at Brigham Young University and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Africa from 1948-1950. He then served our country during the Korean War in the Army, stationed in Germany from 1952-1954. Del and Lorraine were married on April 29, 1961, in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After his graduation, from BYU, he worked for Lockheed Martin. However, he found that he had a desire to further his education and work within a college setting. He left Lockheed and pursued his doctorate at Arizona State University, graduating in 1970. With his PhD in Education Administration, he worked as the Dean of Students at Dixie College, Yavapai College, and Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus. During his time in the Southwest, he was the Director of the Collegiate Rodeo Association.. Wanting to live in New England, where he knew his five children would have the opportunity to experience an East Coast education, he accepted an offer to be the Dean of Students at Tunxis Community College in Farmington, CT. He retired from Tunxis after almost 20 years at the age of 70. He loved his time with the students in all of the colleges that he worked for and seeing students succeed in their lives. Del also taught at the University of Connecticut and performed marriage counseling. Del served as Branch President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the Winsted, CT Branch. Service for the members of his congregation and those in need was a great love of his. He was a man of service. He was an avid reader, loved golf and travelling, and his summers in Cape Cod at the beach with his family. He had the mind of an encyclopedia and was wise, however he was a humble man. He was a tremendous caregiver to his sickly wife, spent quality time with his children, and especially enjoyed athletic and artistic events involving his grandchildren. He was a true family man and had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His charismatic personality and sweet smile will surely be missed by all. Del is survived by his children, Lise Turner of Arizona, Mark Higham and his wife Linchy of New York, Sean Higham and his wife Sabine of Germany, Kristi Steinfeldt and her husband Joe of Connecticut, and Daniel Higham of Connecticut; 13 grandchildren, Michaela, Lisa, Kyle, Steven, Ariel, Zachary, Brockton, Rachel, Alec, Blake, Benjamin, Ashlyn, and Dustin; and his sister Zoeanne Graham from Georgia. Friends may call on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 27 Lawton Road, Canton, CT from 10 -11a.m. Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. Burial will be held at Dyer Cemetery on Dyer Cemetery Road in Canton, CT. New Britain Memorial-Sagarino Funeral Home will be taking care of the arrangements at 444 Farmington Ave, New Britain, CT 06053. To send cards and/or flowers, call 1-877-355-1515 or 860-229-0444. Arrangements entrusted to A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary 710 W. Bethany Home Road Phoenix, Arizona 85013. www.almoore-grimshaw .com