Paul Keven Higgins, 71, of New London passed away Thursday July 22nd at home in the company of his loving Family. Paul fought half a dozen different cancers for nearly twenty years, spanning hundreds of treatments and appointments, ER visits and ICU stays. A fighter to the very end, he won far more battles that he should have, but he has lost the war. Paul was born November 29th, 1949 in New London to David Higgins and Helen Collins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Terrence. Paul was New London born and bred, attending New London High School and furthering his education at Thames River Technical College. He received a Master’s Degree in Family Values and Dad Jokes. He owned a number of restoration businesses, and worked as a project manager before pursuing a career in real estate with Coldwell Banker where he employed his extensive knowledge of New London. Paul was the past president of the Connecticut Association of Realtors. Some of Paul’s greatest loves were Guthrie Beach and sailing. Paul served as the Treasurer of Guthrie Beach from 2000 to present. Many hours were spent at Guthrie Beach with first his children, and later his grandchildren. He loved building sandcastles, digging holes, swimming to the raft and sailing on his boats, which brought such joy to his family. Paul is survived by his loving wife and best friend Diane. Together they traveled extensively, but their favorite trips were to England visiting family and friends, enjoying everything it had to offer. He also leaves his daughter Gillian Egan and son-in-law Brian, and their children Kyle, Leah, and Abbey; his son Colin Higgins, and daughter-in-law Ashley, and their children Tommy, Emmy, and Ben; his son Ian Higgins and his significant other Rachel Spirito; his cousin David Chapman and his wife Eleanor; and his cousin Thomas Chapman and his wife Anne. Paul was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. Family was everything to him and he will be forever missed. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St Joseph’s Church in New London at 11 o’clock on Wednesday July 28th, followed by burial at St. Mary’s cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Paul’s memory to the Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center Closer to Free Fund, or to Saint Joseph School at 25 Squire Street which his children and grandchildren have attended. “Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea.” We will hold you forever in our hearts – You are the wind that fills our sails.