From Siobhan

Dearest, dearest father,

I know you know how much I love you and I know your love for me. You lived your life right. You are a righteous dude. You set an example. You love us unconditionally. You told us we could do anything. You set that example in yourself.

I'm so sad that you're gone and I miss you terribly. I know you would say que sabe or whatever, basically you would say that we all kick the bucket one day and I'm grateful to be mourning you instead of you mourning me.

Your greatest of many great gifts that you gave me is our family. I'm so grateful that you and Angeles found each other and that I gained three wonderful sisters from the union. I'm grateful for my brother, Tabby, Alianna and Arwyn. I'm grateful for Uncle Ed, Aunt Mary Etta, Cousin Philip, Katrina, Maddie, Lucy, Uncle Frank, Aunt Sharon, Kelly and Richie.

You were an unconventional dad. Between you, my mom and Chris, you guys dragged us all over the world. Tristan was even born out of the country although Oaxaca can hardly be considered foreign. 

My heart is heavy and I hope that somehow you can continue to give me fantastic advice from the afterlife. I think of you and 'Lupe dancing together in the afterlife, hardly even aware of our grief. But I know you are concerned for Angeles and we will do our best to shepard her through this very deep valley.

We are so proud of you and the way you lived your life. You were such a good man, an honorable man who loved. You loved people and you loved life. I remember talking to you about depression and you told me that when you had bouts of sadness that eventually being sad would become too boring and you would go back to being happy.

Thank you for all that you did. You introduced me to sushi and NWA. There was always music playing in our home and your office at UNC was plastered with Marvin Gaye posters. You were so accepting of everyone and encouraged people to be as they are.

I want to be a better person because of you. I know you love me and are proud of me but I'm going to be even better. I promise to stop being petty to my brother and Tabby. And, in honor of your memory, I will be as loving and compassionate as you were to all.

I'm so grateful to have had you in my life - to have been borne to you. I know that God loves me because you were chosen as my dad. I'm honored to carry your genes in my body.

I will miss you but try not to be mopey and to live my life by your example - exploring new cultures, expanding minds, laughing, dancing, listening to great music, eating fabulous meals with people I love - being present, aware and unafraid.

My dearest, beloved father, I love you so much. 

I'll always remember you ...

Although Michael and I coincided at the University of Northern Colorado for only a couple of years, I cannnot forget how he would come into my office in Candelaria Hall to share his views on the state of the university, Greeley, Colorado, the US, and the world. He was one of those rare guys that both "talked the talk" and "walked the walk." His concern for the downtrodden was an inspiration to all of us who cherish freedom and liberalism. Amusing, however, was the fact that, when he spoke Spanish, he spoke it so fast that he was almost always able to conceal any error made. Michael, you were a good man; I'll always remember you as an enlightened soul.

Jose I. Suarez

Haiku for Michael

Always principled
Fun loving and generous
Making a difference


We will miss you greatly.
Bonny and Ant
Vancouver

Rosaria Pisa

What sad news. Best to his family during this difficult time. He will be sorely missed.

Forever Young (Bob Dylan)

This is the live performance link at Newport--Michael went to so many concerts--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQqQzE2-E9M&feature=related

Once Michael made me a play list of appropriate songs to explain my life.

Rolling Stone: listen to it.
Knocking on Heaven's door
Blowing in the wind

Salomon Nahmad y Ximena Avellaneda

Estimada Ángeles e hijos:
Cuanto siento el fallecimiento de Michael fue un gran amigo y colega desde los años 70s. Reconozco su labor e investigación a favor de los marginados y excluidos sociales, publicamos su libro sobre los pobres de Oaxaca en el INI en los años 70s y me siento afectado al recordar mi visita a la Universidad en Colorado donde enseño durante tantos años. Fue una grata e importante experiencia por su sencillez y elocuencia a favor de las culturas urbanas marginales. Su protesta por la guerra de Vietnam y su participación en eventos sociales y políticos en EU y en México y Oaxaca. Lo recordare con gran afecto y les acompaño en estos momentos tan difíciles. Ximena también se une a este sentido acontecimiento y les envía su pésame. Sus amigos Salomón y Ximena que les acompañaremos en la ceremonia en Oaxaca.
********************************
Antrop. Salomón Nahmad Sittón
Investigador Titular C del CIESAS Pacífico Sur
Dr. Federico Ortíz Armengol 201 Fracc. la luz la resolana,
Col. Reforma 68050 Oaxaca, Oax.
Conmutador 951 5021600 al 5021629 ext. 6511
snahmad@ciesas.edu.mx
http://salomonnahmad.wordpress.com
http://pacificosur.ciesas.edu.mx/

de Rebeca, Erika y Jessie

This is Rebeca, Erika and Jessie writting, We can thank enough of the endlles love words and support given to our mother many sweet things and stories you shared about Michael, there are no words to describe how we feel right now.

Today my mom informed us of her plans, she would like to tMichael´s remainings to Oaxaca and have a ceremony with everybody that loved Michael in a week}s time (not sure of the date), and afterwards go back and finish her work in Florianopolis.

Michael´s daughter, Siobhan, is comming on Saturday and the cremation ceremony will be held on Sunday Afternoon. We want to be united.

Thank you all,

P.S. Please share your thoughts at memoriesofmichaelhiggins.blogspot.com

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Hola,

Somos Rebeca, Erika y Jessie, estamos muy agradecidas por las lindas palabras y la ayuda que han brindado a nuestra mamá. nos sentimos muy tristes y nos alegra saber del amor que ha recibido Michael.

El día de hoy, mi mamá nos informó sobre sus planes, ella quiere llevar las cenizas de Michael a Oaxaca y hacer una ceremonia con toda la gente que quiso a Michael en una semana (no sabemos la fecha exacta), y después regresará a terminar su trabajo en Florianopolis.

Siobhan, la hija de Michael, está en camino a Florianopolis, la cremación será el día Domingo en la tarde, queremos estar juntas.

Gracias a Todos,

P.D. Porfavor escriban sus recuerdos en el blog memoriesofmichaelhiggins.blogspot.com