Higinio Covarrubias, 85, died August 17, 2009, after a long illness. Higinio was born January 11, 1924, in Laredo, Texas, to Domingo and Herlinda Navarro Covarrubias. He married Anita Garcia May 25, 1947, in her mother's home on Broadway. Higinio Covarrubias worked for 43 years as a punch press operator at Acklin Stamping and was a proud member of UAW Local 12. He retired in 1986. During the late 50's and 60's he was active in the American G.I. Forum, an organization that worked for the educational and economic advancement of Mexican Americans. After retirement he was involved in the fellowship ministry at Good Shepherd Catholic Church where he was a member for more than 60 years. As a way to help raise his large family he began a photography business that served primarily the Mexican American community in Toledo and surrounding areas. For more than 50 years Higinio, along with his wife, photographed hundreds of weddings and Quinceaneras. From birth to death they recorded milestone occasions for hundreds of families, some for several generations. Mostly self-taught he kept up with new techniques with advice from his son, Miguel, a professional photographer, who died in 2002. He even entered the digital age with the help of their son, Phillip who died in 2005. Higinio was always there for family members and loved family gatherings. He enjoyed home improvements projects and was especially proud of his beautiful yard which he received many compliments from passers by. Left to mourn his passing along with his wife, Anita are his sons, John (Desi) of Portland, OR, Higinio (Linda) of Missouri, Patrick (Sandra) and Autro (Alesia) of Toledo; daughters, Mary Lou (Gumersindo) Mata, Dolores (Jose) Mata of Toledo, and Herlinda Teresa (Amir) Abrishami of Los Angeles and daughters-in-law, Rose Covarrubias and Lillian Covarrubias; 42 grandchildren and 34 great-grand-children. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Miguel and Phillip Covarrubias; great-granddaught-ers, Esabella Covarrubias and Delia Searcy; brother, Jesse Navarro and sister, Trinadad Covarrubias, both formerly of Fremont. Visitation will be Thursday 2-9 p.m., with Rosary services at 7 p.m. at Eggleston Meinert Pavley Funeral Home, 440 South Coy at Starr, Oregon. Visitation will continue at 10 a.m. Friday at Good Shepherd Church, 550 Clark St., followed by Mass at 11 a.m. The family gratefully acknowledges the care and compassion provided by the staffs at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, and Central Toledo Dialysis Center, and UT/MCO Hospital. In lieu of flowers contributions to the family may be offered. Visitation: Thursday, 2:00 - 9:00 p.m. Friday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in Good Shepherd Catholic Church Services: Friday, 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church