DONORS:
Mike and Jocelyn Barker, Randy Shaw, Dave and Cheryl Remple, Kenny
Sterner, Alan and Venice Beske,Wyoming Falconers’ Association, Friends
and Family
He was born on Oct. 24, 1920, and was the
eldest son of Nina Higby (nee Harris) and
Lester Wright Higby. He grew up on the
family ranch at Encampment, where he
attended Encampment Elementary School
and High School. After graduation he was
accepted at the University of Wyoming.
He was enrolled in the University’s
Engineering Department for two years,
seeking a chemical engineering degree. He
died at the age of 86 on Dec. 12, 2006 at
the Bonnie Blue Jacket Nursing Home in
Basin, where he had been a patient since
October 2005.
World affairs then touched Warren’s life,
as they did for thousands of young men of
his generation. Warren chose to serve his country during WWII as an officer
in the United States Air Force for over four years. Upon his return he returned
to the university where he changed his major and graduated with a degree in
biology.
Two days after his graduation he accepted an offer from the Wyoming Game
and Fish Department, beginning his career of 31 years with the department.
He met his future wife, Mary Niblock, in Encampment where they were
married in December of 1946. In 1960 the family settled in Lander on a ranch
located along the North Fork of the Popo Agie River.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department tapped into his expertise when he
participated in writing most of Wyoming’s updated laws concerning the use
of the state’s birds of prey in the sport. All these activities and his families’ love
joined to give Warren a full and happy life.
Survivors include his wife, Mary, daughter, Carol (Richard) Lechner, and son
Kenneth, four grandchildren, extended family members and many nephews,
nieces and cousins.
LESTER WARREN HIGBY
Warren
was a true
western
gentleman
and
falconer.
by Mike and Jocelyn Barker
Before there was a Wyoming Falconers’ Association, there was Warren
Higby.
Falconers in Wyoming and in neighboring Rocky Mountain States owe much
gratitude to Warren Higby. As a game bird biologist and falconer working for Wyoming
Game and Fish, Warren’s land ethic, hard work, and love for the birds won the respect of
his peers and many others throughout the West. He was the pioneer falconer in Wyoming
who played a key role in establishing Wyoming’s first falconry regulations.
Through his strong character and reputation, he built the sturdy and true foundation
which still serves as the basis for the strong relationship we have with the Wyoming Game
and Fish Department and for the common sense falconry regulations we enjoy today.
Warren Higby unselfishly and tirelessly gave his time, knowledge, and sweat to those
who sought his help for many decades. Every time a falconer traps a gyrfalcon, takes an
eyass goshawk, hunts sage grouse with his dog and falcon, or any of a number of other
experiences in Wyoming, they can tip their flask and say thanks to L. Warren Higby.
Of course, it would be remiss to not mention his wonderful wife and partner, Mary Higby.
They were inseparable and enjoyed all these things together. Whenever and wherever
Warren was doing something, Mary was with him, her sleeves rolled up and pitching in.
Over the years, she prepared innumerable meals and opened her house to all Wyoming
falconers and many others. Mary Higby is a grand lady, and her partner, Warren, was
a true western gentleman and falconer.
Grateful thoughts of Warren
He was the pioneer falconer in Wyoming who played a key role in
establishingWyoming’srstfalconryregulations.
Warren worked for the
Wyoming Game and Fish
Department for 31 years
and wrote most of the
laws concerning the state’s
useofbirdsofprey.