Richard “Buzz” Michael Higgins

Richard “Buzz” Michael Higgins 93, of Cottonwood Heights, UT passed away peacefully on February 5th, 2026.

Beloved father of Elizabeth, Jean (Shawn) Peretto, Margaret, Michael; cherished grandfather of Chloe Perri, Ryan Perri, Olivia Peretto and Maya Peretto, and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his siblings David Higgins, Philip Higgins and Sandra Brass.

Born in Geneva, IL to the late Richard and Leona Higgins. Buzz lived his youth in Winfield, IL. He developed a strong work ethic at a young age helping in his father’s grocery store, delivering newspapers and shoveling coal at his uncle’s fuel and coal yard.

After graduating Immaculate Conception High School (’50), Buzz proudly served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a Meteorologist stationed in Chuncheon, South Korea for two years during the Korean War (’52-’53) then returning to Andrews Air Force Base for the remaining 2 years of his service. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he attended St. Mary’s College in Winona, MN. Buzz traveled extensively, skiing and rock climbing through Europe. Upon returning to the U.S. Buzz continued to follow his passion for skiing which led him to Alta, UT, and Sun Valley, ID. He was certified through PSIA as a Professional Ski Instructor of America and instructed at Sun Valley, ID. He returned to Winfield where he met and married Nora Durack. After several years of moving between Winfield and Sun Valley, ID, Buzz and Nora moved permanently to Utah with their four children where he continued to instruct skiing at Alta and Solitude ski resorts. He remained a proud member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America for over 25 years. Aside from instructing, Buzz was also a volunteer firefighter with Winfield Fire Department, an accomplished chef, baker and master carpenter. Later in life he found joy in learning to fly small aircraft with friends, exploring the backcountry of UT, ID, and MT, even clearing their own landing strips.

Buzz lived his life as a devout Catholic and long-time parishioner at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. He was involved in many activities over the years serving the church community, joining the “Fun Bunch” and sitting amongst his friends enjoying coffee while folding brochures after daily mass. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on February 17th at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 3015 East Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights, followed by interment at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue & “T” Street. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or the Humane Society.

The Higgins family would like to thank the staff at Wellington Assisted Living and the team at Inspiration Home Health and Hospice for their care and compassion in Buzz’s final months.