Thank you for visiting this memorial page honoring those who either graduated or would have graduated from Granger High School in 1965. We are honoring as many former classmates as we can find who have passed on. They were our friends, associates, teammates and, in some cases, our lifelong partners and companions. We also honor our veterans and those gallant young men who gave their all, in defense of the country they loved so much. To our MIA, James Schiele, we will never forget you and will continue to look forward to the day your remains are returned to the land of the free, the home of the brave.

Thanks to everyone who helped in the development of this memorial page, especially Diane Day Cooper, who would have graduated a Lancer were it not for her parents relocating their family in 1960. Without her, this would not have been possible. Thom Rich

“And each one there has one thing shared, they have sweated beneath the same sun, looked up in wonder at the same moon, and wept when it was all done, for bein' done too soon.” Neil Diamond

Thursday, January 6, 2022

John Higley

Johnny Lorin Higley "Binky" was born April 1, 1947 to Lorin and Lila Higley in Salt Lake City, UT. Johnny was raised in Salt Lake City, and stayed in Utah throughout his life, growing up with cars, trucks, cousins, friends and the war! He often fondly reminisced of the times and antics growing up with his cousins. They all served in the war at the same time in different branches. Johnny enlisted in the Navy and served with the Black Berets, a special forces unit of the Navy and reenlisted for a second tour. He was accommodated many medals, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal on June 5, 1968 and the Bronze Star Medal (With Combat V) on May 26, 1969.  Johnny received several injuries before his honorable discharge at the end of the war and is listed on the Veterans Memorial plaque in the Veterans Park in Magna, (which he mentioned to no one). He was a proud man and didn't boast, but he also didn't talk much about his experiences in the war except the good ones, like him adopting and caring for an orphaned monkey. 

He worked and retired from Kennecott Copper. Johnny was a tease, but he got his own teasing especially being born on April Fool's Day; he took it well!  He was a member of the VFW and spent a lot of time with the members in Magna. 

Johnny suffered for many years with heart failure, causing edema and making it hard to get around, he was homebound for many years. Johnny was a very generous man and he gave to anyone in need and every charity that asked! He said "It is the only thing I can contribute," which was not true.  He contributed knowledge, advice, love, security and the faith that life is worth living and he gave with dignity and grace! 

Johnny had two children and several grandchildren. He passed peacefully on January 6, 2022. No services were his wishes. 

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