Thomas F. Higby, M.D.
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Thomas F. Higby, M.D., announces his death on April 26th (1932-2026). Dr. Higby was a longtime resident and physician from Fowlerville, MI.
Tom grew up in Wyandotte, MI, where his family operated Higby’s Drug Store, with his father Warren J. Higby, Sr. as the pharmacist, and his mother Helen (Kimball) Higby baking pies, serving as business manager, and working the counter. He attended Theodore Roosevelt High School, where he developed lasting bonds and attended reunions with longtime neighborhood friends until his final year.
Dr. Higby’s medical career spanned years of great change and innovation in the medical sciences and delivery of health care services. He graduated from University of Michigan Medical School in 1958, and following a local internship, became the General Practice partner with Dr. Fred Hauer, M.D., in Fowlerville. Carrying his dome-shaped leather medical bag gifted to him upon graduation from Medical School by his two brothers, Dr. Higby began the first leg of his lengthy career providing house calls to families around Livingston County and serving patients at the general practice office on Fowlerville Road. Dr. Higby (or “Doc” as many called him) delivered babies, conducted surgeries, served as an anesthesiologist, worked in the Emergency Room at the McPherson Community Health Center in Howell, and he found time to be the doctor for Fowlerville’s football team on game nights. He led the charge to end smoking by the physicians and others at the hospital, a challenging position to take at the time. In the 1980’s Dr. Higby charted the final leg of his career by founding Ready Care, an early example of emergency walk-in clinics that are now common, with partner Dr. Frank Detterbeck, M.D. Later, during retirement in his 80’s, Dr. Higby authored 34 essays about the history of various medical practices, which he referred to as “Memoirs of a Small Town Doc: Tom Higby.” His writings covered topics ranging from appendicitis to diabetes to immunizations, and most were published in his local newspaper.
Tom was a consummate life-long learner and teacher. Among his many interests were fine woodworking, antiquing, gardening and growing exotic plants, reading, music, linguistics, and travel. His accomplishments were many, and only a few will be detailed here. As a self-taught fine woodworker, he carved birds and figures, and made Windsor chairs, treasure chests, trunks, cabinets, and music stands. A spinning wheel he made was featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine. His love of music and bands began at a young age (cornet, trumpet, and drum major at Roosevelt HS), continued with his involvement in the University of Michigan Marching Band as a student, and later for many years in the Livingston County Concert Band (cornet, baritone horn). Tom’s interests in travel provided many adventures for his family, with several four-week camping and hiking adventures to the Western states, canoe trips to Algonquin Provincial Park, and countless weekend and day trips that involved public gardens, museums, and historic sites.
Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife Helen M. Higby (Vogt), who died the day before their 62nd wedding anniversary in 2017. His survivors include children Daniel T. Higby, Adrian, MI; Susan M. Higby (Mark S. Waskow), Barre, VT; David B. Higby (the late Kelly Whalen Higby), Gaines, MI, and grandchildren Mackenzie, Alexandra, and Dorian; and Carolyn B. Violetta (Scott), Fowlerville, MI, and grandchildren Dominick and Ian. Tom was also predeceased by his two brothers Warren J. Higby and Paul K. Higby, both of whom served in WWII.
There are no words that can encapsulate the influence of this great man on his family, friends, and community. We are grateful to have experienced his love, wisdom, and curiosity, and will carry this forward throughout our lives.
Thoughtful donations and participation in his memory are encouraged to: Livingston County Concert Band and the ACLU of Michigan. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: borekjennings.com
