On Tuesday, the memorial service for John M. Higgins was held up in New York City. I’m pleased I could participate. The event was held in the Viacom building, home to MTV, VH1 and Comedy Central, among other networks. John’s iPod was hooked up to the stereo system, which would have pleased him. I also arranged for some of his Christmas music to be played, which pleased me.
Coverage in CableFAX, a trade publication, included this:
At a memorial service held at MTV’s hq in New York City Tues, cable execs including Lifetime’s Betty Cohen, former Viacom chief Tom Freston, Oxygen’s Gerry Laybourne, MTV’s Judy McGrath, Crown Media’s Henry Schleiff and many others came out to pay their respects. Michael Molinelli, a longtime friend dating back to college, summed up Higgins’ enduring legacy this way: “He didn’t really touch lives. He sort of slapped them with an open palm.” Said B&C executive editor Mark Robichaux: “Patient. Peaceful. Diplomatic. None of these things describe John Higgins.” Everybody, it seemed, had a story or 2 about the outwardly irascable reporter, whose in-your-face style coexisted with a softer side that inspired great loyalty among those who knew him. “My name is Paul, and I’m a recovering Higgins addict,” NCTA’s Paul Rodriguez told attendees, who replied “Hi Paul” in unison. Higgins stories flowed like sweet wine at the event: his love of obscure music and used CDs; his knowledge of out-of-the-way NYC restaurants and dives; his long days working the phones and late nights plowing though SEC filings in search of that big scoop, which he often found to competitors’ dismay. Perhaps most touching was a final goodbye from Higgins’ wife, Deborah. “He always used to say that life was an adventure, and he certainly treated it that way,” she said. “He told me his test for friends was whether he would rob a gas station with them.” Many of us would jump at the chance. “Fearless. Funny. Unforgettable,”said Robichaux. “These are the words that describe my friend John.” And why we’ll miss him so much.
Further coverage from CableWorld’s Seth Arenstein can be found here, which includes more of the hilarious stories told that night. Seriously — read it, you’ll laugh.
Tags: John M. Higgins