Richard Arthur Higginbottom, 79 of Mesa, AZ passed away on April 30, 2013 after his long battle with cancer. Richard was born in Detroit Michigan to Arthur & Anne (Olmstead) Higginbottom on February 2, 1934. He then married his High School sweetheart Anne Casselton also of Detroit, Michigan on April 24, 1954. Richard graduated from Michigan State University in June 1957 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Then went on to receive his Masters degree from Chrysler Institute in June of 1959. Richard worked for Pontiac Motors from 1962 till his retirement in 1988. I quote, “I held many positions but working at The Desert Proving Ground was the best! Both the people and place were GREAT and easy to work with.” As an avid lover of classic cars and hot rods, Richard was a well known and loved part of the local car show scene of Mesa, Arizona. His love for American made motor vehicles only fell second to his beautiful and loving wife Anne. Richard was also a member of the Eureka North Warren Lodge 594 Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan. He is survived by his 2 children Daniel Higginbottom & Gail (Higginbottom) Rothert. His 5 grandchildren: Justin & Ryan Higginbottom, Kara Rothert, Christopher Higginbottom, and Ashley Higginbottom. Richard is preceded in death by his wife Anne Higginbottom. His son Mark Higginbottom, his granddaughter Katie Higginbottom. Also his 3 sisters Dorothy Ann Higginbottom, Grace Holappa & Lois Page. The funeral service will be held on May 10th at 11am at Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel, 7900 E. Main St. Mesa, AZ (480-832-2850). Visitation will be held at 10am on May 10th, 2013 at Mountain View. Burial will follow the funeral. In lieu of flowers or donations may be given to www.Cancer.org in tribute of finding a cure.