William Markley Higgins "Bill" of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away on January 28 at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jane Thiele Higgins, along with his children, Molly Aube (Rich) and Mark Higgins (Margaux), and six grandchildren: Haley, Claire, Mac and Andy Aube, and Wyatt and Kendall Higgins. He is also survived by his brother, Tom Higgins (Laurie). He was predeceased by his son, John Andrew Higgins and his sister, Carol Kiefaber.

Bill was born in Dayton, Ohio, the son of William and Margaret (Markley) Higgins. He was a graduate of Oakwood High School in Dayton, Ohio, Dartmouth College and The Amos Tuck School of Business. Following graduation from Amos Tuck, Bill went to Cincinnati to work for Scudder, Stevens & Clark, a fund management firm. He then went on to work at Bank Ohio in Columbus, Ohio and Sena, Weller, Rohs, Williams, a financial advisory firm in Cincinnati.

While busy in his professional role, Bill remained passionately involved with his alma mater. His combined six years in Hanover, New Hampshire left an indelible mark, and Bill was a firm believer in giving back to a place he held so dear to his heart. Supporting fund raising efforts for his class, he served as class agent and leadership agent. He also served on his class executive committee where he was the class treasurer for ten years. In honor of all Bill did for Dartmouth, he was awarded the Alumni Award in 2006, which recognizes those who have demonstrated extraordinary service to Dartmouth and civic organizations in addition to career accomplishment.

Throughout his life Bill was active in many community and civic organizations, serving as a board member of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, The United Home Care/Visiting Nurse Association of Cincinnati, and The Madeira/Indian Hill Joint Fire Board, where he served for thirty years. He was also very active in the Indian Hill Church, where he served on the Vestry Rector Search Committee.

Bill was an avid athlete, playing college tennis and enjoying racquet sports and golf throughout his life. He passed on his love of sports to his children and grandchildren, and spent many wonderful hours on sidelines, courses and courts watching them all compete.

One of Bill's greatest loves was the game of duplicate bridge, traveling the country to play in tournaments with his partner, Eugene. He accumulated over 13,000 Master points, becoming a Grand Life Master of the game. His love of cards is shared by his grandchildren who will think of him every time they shuffle a deck. From Go Fish and Uh-Oh, to Hearts and Gin Rummy, Bill spent countless hours around tables enjoying card games with his family.

Bill was a friend to many and loved spending time with them playing cards, having lunch, or simply visiting with them on the terrace of The Camargo Club, or John's Island Club in Vero Beach, FL where he and Jane spent their winters. Bill was also a member of The Historical and Philosophical Society and The Golden Fleece.

Bill's true love in life was his wife, Jane. They began dating in the seventh grade and were together for 68 years.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 8th at 11am at the Indian Hill Church, 6000 Drake Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Indian Hill Church .

Bill will be sorely missed by his family and friends!!