BEND, OR -- A Pearl Harbor survivor who spent his elder years in Bend has passed away at the age of 102. Dick Higgins became internet-famous when his granddaughter launched the Quarantine Chats With Gramps Instagram page in 2020. The account posted early Tuesday morning, in part, "Gramps went home to be with Jesus this morning. He was a humble, generous, funny and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. This community has celebrated and honored him and we are forever grateful for the impact he has made on all of us."

In December, the Bend City Council recognized Higgins' contributions by issuing a proclamation for Dick Higgins Day. He was Central Oregon's last living Pearl Harbor Survivor.