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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Highberger, Frank M.

HIGHBERGER, Frank M. (Age 92) Former Pittsburgh architect, devoted husband, father, grandfather, avid poker player and all-around good guy, Frank M. Highberger, died peacefully at home in Spokane, WA on June 30th, six months after a diagnosis of bone cancer.

Frank was born in Wilkinsburg, PA to Florence M. and Frank M. Highberger, and grew up in Shiremanstown, PA near Harrisburg.

He graduated from Mechanicsburg High School in 1941, and the University of Pennsylvania.

He turned 19 in Philadelphia, having “Happy Birthday” sung to him in a college bar by a popular, but not yet famous singer—Nat King Cole.

As Frank told it, after singing, Nat yelled out, “How old are you, Frank?”

And when Frank replied “19!”

everyone laughed and told Frank to hush up.

Frank joined the Navy in 1943, mid-way through college, and became a primary flight instructor.

For two-and-a-half years he taught flying in N3N “Yellow Perils,” and instructed young pilots in dive-bombing and strafing techniques in the Douglas SBD Dauntless, in Ottumwa, Iowa and Pensacola, FL.

He achieved the officer rank of Lieutenant JG.

After finishing college at Penn, and starting his career in architecture, Frank discovered that his high school sweetheart, Jean Bender, was back in the dating scene.

They married in 1951, honeymooned in Cuba, and settled down in Mt.

Lebanon, PA, had Craig and Alison, and were active members of Southminster Presbyterian Church.

Frank practiced architecture in Pittsburgh with Curry, Martin, Highberger & Klaus until his retirement at age 65, enjoying a wide range of projects that included residential work, the $22 million Brashear High School, and a dormitory at Carnegie-Mellon.

Two of his favorites were the Visitors Center at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, and Salvation Army projects when he worked with his dear friend, Commissioner Israel L. Gaither.

Frank and Jean moved to Whispering Winds in Bend, Oregon in 2006 to live near their daughter, son-in-law, and only grandchild, Nick, and moved with them again in 2008 to Spokane.

Teaching Nick how to golf, enjoying the forests, mountains and lakes of Central Oregon, and just watching Nick grow up were Frank’s greatest joys.

Frank enjoyed working on freelance architecture projects well into his 80s, and was up on current events and politics until the end.

Throughout his life, he liked art, reading, children and pets, the Sunday NY Times crossword puzzle, shad roe, writing letters to the editor, golfing, gardening, joke telling, the Steelers and Pirates, NYC theatre weekends and trips to Italy with Jean, big band music and jazz (especially Errol Garner).

It was fun to see Frank make new friends wherever he lived.

He loved his poker buddies and afternoon card games at the Southside Senior and Community Center in Spokane.

Frank was treasured for his sunny disposition, enthusiastic spirit, sense of humor, and generosity.

Whenever he heard of someone in need, Frank was quick to respond with help.

We will greatly miss his big personality and kind heart.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Jean; daughter Alison of Spokane (Dan Weig); grandson Nick Weig; son Craig of Eclectic, AL (Andrew LaBarbera); sister-in-law Mary Highberger; nephews, Kirk and Brad Highberger; and grand-dog Winston.

Cherished old friends include, Maggie, Holly and Susan Hendrix, Ruth Eiler and Elizabeth “Betty” Franks Robin.

Frank’s only sibling, Sam, died recently, so we cherish the thought of the brothers hanging out together in the great beyond.

Frank was cared for with great skill and affection in his final months by Nancy and Patty of Home Instead Senior Care, and nurses Jennifer and Judy of Horizon Hospice, along with Horizon CNA Geoff.

The family is grateful for the tremendous support they received from the many talented and caring staff members of these organizations, along with Michelle of Reliant Rx, and Dr. Mary Bergum and her outstanding nurse Shawnna.

Frank did not want a memorial service.

As a music lover, and fan of Nick’s high school’s wonderful music programs, Frank asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Frank Highberger Instrument Fund set up by the Ferris Music Parents Association, P.O.

Box 30982, Spokane, WA 99223 (Checks payable to “FMPA” with “Frank’s Music Fund” in subject line).

Thank you.