Terry Higgins

Dearest Junette and Family,

I am so very sorry to learn about the passing of Terry. To me, his essence of being kind, considerate, fun, and a family man are ever present. I reviewed the album again, again, and again.
Kudos to the creators of those loving memories as it captures, love, good times, adventure, and charm.
Meanwhile, may the peace of God’s promise that life is everlasting comfort you today and the days ahead.

With great love,
Marie and Scott Kennison

Corey and Mark picked each other up at university of Oregon.

Mark acquired a best friend and a west coast family: Terry and Junette opened their home and hearts to him. “You’ve got to meet Corey’s parents!” He said. And when I did, their rich conviviality that is only earned with time, patience and mutual respect, filled the room.

Terry’s presence and quiet wisdom was large and comforting. Always a man to look you in the eye, always a man to listen. Such beautiful qualities.

The photos say it all: family, nature, friends, loving the simple things, the most precious things in life.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Junette, Corey, Lisa, the grandchildren, and myriad friends. A special man.

Our love,
The Mariotti family.

From a fellow old shipmate, "roomies" in the engineering stateroom,
farewell, old friend, our Bausell wardroom misses you. Junette, my sincere condolences to you and family.
Bob.

We met Terry and Junette when the guys were naval officers aboard the USS Bausell, homeported in San Diego, in 1964 and 1965. During that time the ship cruised off the coast of Vietnam and visited the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan. The guys and their wives were close, so much so that five couples, including Terry, Junette, and we had a reunion in Carmel, California in 2022. We are so happy we made that effort to get together. We remember Terry with affection, as we pray for all the Higgins'.

Marilyn and I offer our condolences and prayers for strength, comfort and peace. We understand how losing a loved one is "not something we get over.....but something we get through". I knew Terry primarily as a member of my team at work where he was a consummate professional. He turned his corporate "staff/overhead" department into a "profit center" that returned millions of dollars to our 12 operating divisions. More importantly, I......like anyone who knew him from any part of life......also knew him as a good, funny, fun loving and loyal friend who loved God, family and country! RIP, TERRY !!!

(from an old shipmate) May our Lord and Savior bring comfort and peace to Junette

We have lost a truly great and loyal friend. We’ve known the family more years than we can count. So many memories of times shared , happy, sad , silly, (usually instigated by Terry), fun, joyful, long talks, praying together, singing , inside jokes, stories shared, wow list goes on and on! We will miss him forever and a day and will treasure our times together always.

When my dad passed, I felt compelled to write a message to Whirley Pop. 🍿

Subject:
It's a Sad Day for Popcorn...

Whirley Pop lost a master yesterday.

My father, Terry Higgins, passed away after a hard fight against a rare cancer that only afflicts a few. Throughout his battle, there were a few bright spots … When he felt strong enough to man the stove, grab his Whirley Pop, and with love, patience, and a deft hand, crank out another heavenly batch. Nothing gave him more happiness OR more fame. Family and friends marveled at his ability to conjure the absolute best bowl of popcorn. In better days, he and my mom would send care packages to my kids at college — a little taste of home and a little bit of Grandpa's love. Years ago, when he found the Whirley Pop, he never looked back. Never succumbed to fancy, flashy, or — god forbid — air poppers. No short cuts of any kind. He simply said, "It’s all in the prep, the crank, and the patience. Like everything in life, good things come to those who wait.” He bought Whirley Pops for all of us, but I can say with both sadness and pride, none of us mastered my dad's ability to make magic…Thank you for bringing him, and our family, so much joy over the years. Too often companies only get grief from their customers. We have nothing but admiration. Popcorn will never taste as good as it did when my Dad made it…but our hands are on the crank. Good things come to those who wait.

Best,
Corey Higgins

(Whirley Pop wrote me back the very next day)

Dear Corey,
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt message with us. We are deeply sorry for your loss and touched by your story about your father, Terry Higgins. It’s clear he was a remarkable man who not only mastered the art of making popcorn but also brought so much joy and love to those around him. We are honored that the Whirley Pop played a role in creating cherished memories for your family. Your father’s dedication to the simple yet profound act of making the perfect bowl of popcorn is a beautiful testament to his patience, love, and attention to detail. It’s stories like yours that remind us why we do what we do, and we are grateful to have been a small part of his life and legacy. Please accept our deepest condolences, and know that your father's legacy lives on every time someone in your family picks up a Whirley Pop and cranks out a batch of popcorn.

With warm regards and sincere sympathy,
Alex and the Whirley Pop Shop Team

If you'd like to honor one of my Dad's greatest joys, get a Whirley Pop and make a batch in his name. It won't be as good as his, but you'll love it just the same.