CAMDEN — In the windy, early morning hours of Oct. 19, 2016, John “Jack” Higgins departed on his final sail from his home in Camden. Surrounded by family, he was able to set off peacefully after a courageous and inspiring duel with brain cancer.

Both a god-loving and mischievous young man, Jack was born Nov. 27, 1954, and grew up in Hingham, Mass., under the roof of his parents, William and Corinne, and alongside his four brothers, James, Thomas, Paul and Richard, and one sister, Carol Gouin.

Upon graduating from Boston's Northeastern College, he was eager to migrate north to Maine. A true Jack-of-all-trades, he built his first home in Lincolnville, even hand digging the foundation. His love of the ocean lured him out to Penobscot Bay as much as possible, adverse weather conditions never a deterrent. A friend to all, Jack touched every person he met – a true emanation of kindness and love.

A respiratory therapist, Jack founded Camden Drug Company in the 1980s, then continued working for Apria Healthcare after he sold the company to them. In the five months prior to his diagnosis, Jack was thrilled to take a new position at Waldo County General Hospital.

He is survived by his ever-loving and attentive wife, Susan Storer, with whom he spent much quality time hiking, skiing, gardening, sailing and enjoying quality time around the house. Also surviving are his three children, Jessica Kelley, Sean Higgins and Abigail Higgins. His three grandchildren, Pepper, Evan and Jacob, all brought Jack tremendous joy.

Calling hours will be held Friday, Oct. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain St. in Camden. The funeral service will be held Saturday, Oct. 22, at 11 a.m. at Hedge's Hall, Point Lookout, 67 Atlantic Highway (Route 1) in Northport. Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

If desired, the family asks that you consider donations to the Coastal Mountains Land Trust (coastalmountains.org) or the National Brain Tumor Society (braintumor.org.)