Experiencing the ‘Circle of Life’
During a recent span of days, I experienced firsthand a number of significant events in my life. Like most of you, I had heard folks over the years opine on each one, but until you actually experience them, the due attention they deserve never really engulfs you emotionally to the extent they deserve.
First, I witnessed my son marry his sweetheart and commence their journey together. Then I lost my 86- year-old father, which truly no one can prepare for. I also held our newest grandson, who is the only great-grandchild out of Dad’s 59 great-grandchildren with the potential to carry on the family name.
Following that rollercoaster of a week I now fully appreciate the “Lion King” pronouncement of the “Circle of Life.”
In preparing for Dad’s eulogy it was impressed on me time and again the many marvelous things he had done to impact my life and others. From life lessons to simple examples, the human touches and “tender mercies” from Dad were endless. It became crystal clear that one of the most significant decisions he made in his life was to move to Poway, and as importantly, to live and stay here for 50 years.
Dad joined the Navy out of high school and attended boot camp in San Diego. His Navy career took him to Korea, Vietnam, Hawaii and Taiwan. In 1959, following two years in Taiwan, Dad was transferred to NAS Miramar. With my sister desiring a horse, my folks discovered a brand new small subdivision (Valle Verde Ranch) in the quiet community of Poway. Dad paid $4,950 ($71 a month) for a one- acre parcel that allowed horse ownership and the ability to construct a dream home for Mom. With the planned community of Rancho Bernardo building its first home within eyesight of our property, Dad commenced construction.
When we moved into the house Dad built, Poway had a fledgling school district, a Big Bear grocery store, prominent vineyards north of Espola and thoroughbred horses being raised and trained at what is now Bridlewood Estates.
Many military families made Poway their home. Life was more laid back and there was little crime. Hitchhiking was the easiest way to get around town for a teenager. It was a great place to raise a family.
Following retirement from the Navy, Dad happened upon a new career and purchased a glass company. Being a non-union man, he developed a great relationship with SeaWorld because he would work at night when the park was closed. He installed the glass for the first Shamu show, the Penguin Encounter and Shark Tunnel. In conjunction with a Colorado firm, my Dad built world-class aquariums in over 35 countries, from Baltimore to Australia, from New Orleans to China and from Jakarta to Spain.
Even though Dad travelled to countless countries, when returning home he would proclaim, “This is the best place in the world to live.” He had ample opportunity to leave but he didn’t. He was so proud to live in Poway and was active in his Poway church for 50 years.
In 1998 we were building our new Poway Library and as mayor I approached Dad about building an aquarium in the children’s reading section. Calling in favors from friends in the industry he delivered a $70,000 saltwater aquarium – at no cost. The Union-Tribune at the time quoted him as saying, “I’ve always wanted to give something back to Poway.”
Poway has grown since 1959. A one-acre parcel will cost much more than $4,950 and it might not be wise to let your teenager hitchhike. But without a doubt, my Dad would tell you, “It was a no brainer to make Poway our home - it gave so much back to us.”
Higginson served on the Poway City Council for 28 years.