Emerik "Gary" Higdon

Mar 11, 1959 -

Sep 13, 2021

Emerik "Gary" Higdon, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 13, 2021, in Anchorage, Alaska, at the age of 62. Gary was born on March 11, 1959, in Paris, France, the son of Julia Milam and Charles Higdon. His father was in the military and the family moved quite often while Gary was a young child. The family eventually settled in Louisiana, where Gary spent his teenage years.

Gary moved up to Alaska in 1981, to pursue a career working in the oil and gas industry on the North Slope. He put in many years working for various companies and enjoyed the life of working hard and playing hard on his time off. Gary was an avid world traveler and always had his passport ready to go. He was in New York City to watch the ball drop and ring in Y2K, went skydiving in Hawaii, partied in Ibiza, and there was the time where he danced with Paris Hilton at a honky-tonk in Dallas, among just a few notable trips. He also loved Alaska and spent many days enjoying all kinds of outdoor activities. Many weekends were spent at Big Lake and Nancy Lake snowmachining, Jet Skiing and water skiing with family and friends. One of his proudest moments was winning the Big Lake 500 snowmachine race with his good friend, Darryl. When invited to someone's home to visit, he always arrived with a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine. Gary never knew a stranger and was always there to lend a helping hand.

Gary was an eternal optimist and lived his life to the fullest and on his terms. He will be sorely missed by many friends and family, especially his daughter, Amanda, whom he loved dearly.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Amanda Milliman; mother, Julia Milam; sister, Dolores Higdon; stepbrother, Terry Milam; cousins; numerous lifelong friends; as well as nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Higdon; stepsisters, Cindy and Diana Milam; and stepfather, Ben Milam.

A "Remembering Gary" celebration will be held at 341 N. Bliss on Oct. 10, 2021, at 3 p.m., hosted by Chuck and Julie Knecht.