It was sad news, but delivered with such wonderful anecdotes and insight one couldn’t help but marvel at a life well lived.

We are talking of course about the passing of U.S. Navy veteran Dick Higgins of Bend this past week. He died at age 102. There are only 22 other veterans alive now who were present at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, when it was attacked by Japan, drawing the U.S. into the war in the Pacific Theater.

The story about Higgins’ life was written by former staffer Kyle Spurr and Deputy City Editor Mike Gordon, who has a longtime devotion to veterans and lived in Hawaii for several years.

Spurr, now a communications director for his alma mater the University of Montana in Missoula, worked for The Bulletin a few years back and wrote extensively about Higgins. The Bulletin sent Spurr and photographer Ryan Brennecke to Pearl Harbor when Higgins returned there for the last time in 2021 for the 80th anniversary of the attack. The family had loved Kyle’s articles so much, they requested he write the final chapter. No argument from us.

A well written news story leads readers through it almost effortlessly, from top to bottom. If one comes away feeling better informed, even inspired, then the reporter has done their work well. Kyle and Mike’s story does this; it’s a pleasure to read.

Higgins’ death made national news. We think, mainly, because the era of World War II veterans is quickly passing. He spent his later years reminding those today of the sacrifice made by WWII veterans. It kept him going strong we believe, as he was able to pass on that knowledge. A memorial service is set for Thursday.

The point here is that strong, local journalism is the life blood of a community. Nothing can replace it. But we do need your help supporting it, especially in these times of change for our industry. If you are not yet a subscriber, please take a moment to sign up. We have a lot to offer on our digital and social media platforms

Surf’s up

One of the recent improvements we’ve made to our digital site is a new camera that captures the whitewater surf park on the Deschutes. The video is much clearer, crisper and it is not prone to crash as much as the former one did. Check it out here.

It is another way we like to engage the community. We hope you enjoy it and thank you for reading.

If you enjoy these features as much as I do, please support our local journalism by subscribing.

Gerry O’Brien, editor