Vassalboro - On Wednesday, October 17th, Wayne B. Higgins, nee Wayne B. Cotta, passed surrounded by loved ones in the home which he created over the past 60 years. He was born October 20, 1938 to Barbara (Thompson) Cotta and Harvey Cotta. In his teens Wayne took the last name of his step father Alden Higgins. From a young age, Wayne had been taught by his grandfather, Charles Thompson, to always be honorable.
Known as a skilled craftsman, Wayne had graduated from Lawrence High, entered the Marines and participated in the reserves as a Master Competition Marksman. At this time he joined US Geological Services in Washington, D.C. as a hydrologist. He received an award for 32 years of service (1964-1995). At 56 he retired and began Water Monitoring Services which is ongoing to this day in Vassalboro, Maine.
Wayne loved being in the outdoors. He always had a fishing pole in the back of his truck when he traveled the state taking water measurements for USGS of Augusta. In his youth he was an avid baseball player, continuing into young adulthood participating in area softball teams.
In his 20’s he bought West View Farm, an 1811 house in dire need of his craftsmanship skills. Over the next 60 years he developed the property into what it is today. He shared this home with his wife of 30 some years, Faye Higgins. After her passing in 2008, he married Susan Higgins in 2010. They enjoyed taking trips together, being in the outdoors and swatting at flies as they aged together. They did not skinny dip, but rather “chunky dunked” in the backyard pool. Wayne was supported in his recent illness by his son in-law Dan Hodgkins and nephew John Nelson.
Wayne is predeceased by his parents; Barbara Higgins, Harvey Cotta and Alden Higgins; also by a number of sisters and brothers. A great loss to him was the passing of his beloved wife Faye Higgins and his best friend Ted Seney.
He is survived by his present wife Sue Higgins; step daughter Robyn Hunter; grandson Charles and great-granddaughter Alysha Opacki; brother David Cotta; sisters Sharon Cotta and Ann Mansfield and her son Brandon; sister-in-law Collie, her sons Jared, Erik, Shawn Higgins and his beloved partner in crime, “Sheba dog”. He is also survived by members of Sue’s family who grew to love Wayne over the years. They include Dan, Brandy, Kayla and David Hodgkins; John and Logan Nelson and families; Brianna Huot and Lily Koster.
Many thanks goes to the VNA for their Home Health Services, also to Maine-ly Elder support services, in particular, Jessica Wade, P.S.S., whom Wayne came to care for.
The only reception for family and friends will be held on Saturday October 27, 2018 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. at Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, ME. A short service will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with Wayne’s family.
For those who wish, donations made be made to “Vassalboro Wildlife Habitat”, ℅ Kennebec Land Trust, 331 Main Street, Winthrop, ME 04364 in memoriam of Wayne Higgins.
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