Melvin Masao Higa

Melvin Masao Higa, 80, of Rowland Heights, California, born on November 17, 1943 in Honolulu, Hawaii passed away on January 19, 2024. He graduated from Farrington High School in 1961 and served in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967.

Mel was a devoted family man, and will be deeply missed by his spouse, Jaclyn Higa, children Kevin Higa, Donna (Bryan) Cadiz, Steven (Natalie) Higa, and Jocelyn Higa, as well as his grandchildren Kyrie Higa, Dallas Higa, Kalen (Annie) Cadiz, and Dylan Cadiz. He also leaves behind his sisters, Ann (Bob) Creen and Dilys (George) Sunabe.

Mel’s friendly smile and boisterous laughter are iconic to all who knew him. He had a competitive, resilient approach to sports becoming a 7-handicap golfer, a 180 bowler and achieved a successful career as a Systems Analyst (retiring from both Southern California Edison and AAA Automobile Club of Southern California). A man of habit, who every morning, would eat his cereal, drink his coffee and read the paper, he was always quick to lend a helping hand or give some free advice. Mel’s final years of retirement consisted of weekly casino trips with Jackie (his wife of 46 years) to play video poker and watching sports on Sundays, cheering for the Rams, the Lakers and the Angels. His honest personality and loyal nature will be missed by all who loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 10th from 9am-10am at Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary, Hillside Chapel in Whittier, CA.

Following the service, there will be an off-site reception from 11am-2pm at The Mission Square Restaurant & Lounge, 13033 Penn Street, Suite 100, Whittier, CA 90602.

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