Govan Huggins

Govan Huggins, 83, was born May, 5, 1932 in Kennet, Missouri to the late Ethel and James Huggins. He passed away on Friday, January 8, 2016. One of 13 children, his parents migrated the family to Patterson, California, as homesteading farmers during the Dust Bowl Era. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in May 1952 and soon after met and married the lovely Helen Bradder. After 20 years of military service which included 2 tours in Vietnam, Govan began his photography business, followed by his second business; Eastern Painting & Maintenance. He moved his family to Strasburg, Colorado in 1978 and proceed to build his own home on a beautiful 10 acre parcel. He and Helen retired in 1990. After riding a WWII surplus Harley Davidson, Govan found his passion for riding motor cycles, buying his first at 16 years of age. Beginning in his 30's, with a young family in tow, he raced Open Class TT and ranked #2 in Colorado for 4 years running. And even in his late 70's Govan continued his love of riding as he and Helen crossed the country on his massive 841 pound 2001 Honda Valkyrie. Their original goal was to ride 25, 000 miles. However, within the next 8 years, he and Helen would travel to the beaches of South Florida to visit his son Dell and daughter-in-law Mary and on through the mountains of northern California to visit his brother and sister-in-law, FA and Marie Huggins, logging more than 55, 000 miles! Survivors include his wife, Helen Eloise Huggins, children; Karen Greenlees and Robin Huggins, Dell and Mary Huggins, Sid and Shaunda Huggins; grandchildren, Chad Greenlees, Jennifer Greenlees, Brooke Nelson, Danielle Huggins and Josh Huggins as well as 5 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. And his brother and sister in-law FA and Marie Huggins