Norman Alan Higgins: July 17, 1942-October 18, 2024

Norman “Norm” Higgins passed away peacefully on October 18^th, 2024 after enjoying a cheerful breakfast. Born in Franklin, New Hampshire, on July 17^th, 1942, to Richard and Gladys (Whitehead) Higgins, Norm lived in Concord his whole life.

A 1960 graduate of Concord High School, Norm was a legendary athlete. Growing up in the White’s Park neighborhood, Norm spent hours of his youth watching and playing basketball and baseball. His finesse on the basketball court and prowess on the pitcher’s mound is talked about still. His 40 points and 35 rebounds in a single game (against Laconia in 1960) remains the one school record not broken by NBA star and CHS graduate Matt Bonner. The Boston Red Sox scouted Norm from age 14 to 18 before a shoulder injury ended his dream of pitching in the major leagues. Norm attended UNH on a full basketball scholarship, graduating in 1964 with a degree in Forestry.

Upon returning to Concord after college Norm was a regular in the Sunset League playing for Ferns Oilers. He could be seen at first base or in left field, practically throwing underhand due to his bad shoulder. But it didn’t stop him from putting on a hitting clinic in batting practice or games with multiple home runs. He became known for his “side arm” throw. Those evening games in the summers at White’s Park were part of the fabric of Norm’s community. After Sunset League he coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and officiated many games.

His love for the Boston Red Sox was a lifetime commitment.

Norm worked for the State of New Hampshire Highway Department for 38 years. As Chief Appraiser for the Right of Way Division, he was instrumental in the development and construction of Interstate 89 and the northern section of 93. . He spent several years active in the Lions Club selling light bulbs, Christmas Trees, collecting used eyeglasses and putting on bicycle safety clinics for kids.

Norm learned about and became a member of the Baha’i Faith in 1977, dedicating his life to the principles of unity, justice, equality, family, independent investigation of the truth, and living a life of service. Norm served for decades on the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Concord and traveled frequently throughout New Hampshire and New England as an Assistant to the Auxiliary Board, and as a teacher of the Baha’i Faith. 

Norman is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Sharon (Bond) Higgins, his son Rick, his wife Cathy and granddaughter Kelsey Higgins, his daughter Barbara, her husband Kenny Banzhoff and grandchildren Gracie and Jack Banzhoff, his son Jonathan, his wife Ting Lan and grandson Jonah, and his daughter Johanna. He was predeceased by his grandson Gordy Banzhoff and granddaughter Molly Banzhoff. He also leaves several cousins.

A graveside service will take place on Wednesday October 23^rd at 1:00pm at Blossom Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, members of the Baha’i Faith may make a donation in his name to the general fund. All others may make a donation in his name to the charity of your choice. There were many causes Norm supported, along with encouraging people to support those important to them.