Magnate Pete Higgins kept common touch

Frank Milton "Pete" Higgins, a Bellevue movie-theater and vending-machine magnate, came the hard way to a life of comparative luxury, including fine dining, fancy cars and trips abroad.

But the affable former salesman cultivated a down-to-earth style in business and personal affairs. He was genuine and direct, with an uproarious sense of humor.

For Mr. Higgins' 100th birthday last March, a concierge at London's Selfridge Hotel reportedly wrote: "Pete always insisted I call him Pete. This was unheard of for the head hall porter to call a guest by his first name. He never lost the common touch."

He also never lost his zest for gin rummy. He played weekly with his cronies, many of them veteran Seattle movers and shakers, at an establishment on Jackson Street.

"He had friends all over the world," said his son, William Higgins of Bellevue.

Mr. Higgins died Monday (Feb. 14) of heart failure. He was 100.

Born in Great Falls, Mont., he served in the Navy in the last months of World War I, training in Bremerton and in the officers program at the University of Washington, where he studied business. He became a fan of Husky sports and helped found the Quarterback Club, a precursor of the Tyee Club and other UW support groups.

The Higgins Room at the UW Crew House was named for him.

After two years of college, he moved to Spokane and hit the road selling paint. When a friend suggested he sell movies to theaters for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1926, Mr. Higgins moved to Seattle.

He got to know movie mogul Sam Goldwyn, went to Hollywood parties and met stars.

When the owner of Kirkland's old Gateway Theater died, Mr. Higgins bought it. He later acquired the Bel-Vue and the Lake City theaters, as well as the Den in Burien. He also had a drive-in in Kennewick.

To serve the theaters, he bought soft-drink vending machines in 1948, then added snack machines. Eventually he provided vending machines to many Northwest theaters, and he ran cafeteria-style restaurants in several Seattle businesses and nursing homes. He sold the theaters in the 1960s and the vending business in 1974.

He didn't stop driving until he was 92, said his son.

Also surviving are a daughter, Alice Jean Lorentz of Bellevue, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His wife of 53 years, Catherine Higgins, died in 1976. Son Peter Higgins died in 1997.

Private services are planned. Donations may go to any charity.