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September 22, 1929 - November 15, 2011

John passed away peacefully at his home in Kitwanga, at the age of 82, on Tuesday, November 15, 2011. He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife Joan; his children: Cathleen (Derek Duffy), James (Laura Piva-Babcock), Mary (Howard Smith) and John (Grace Li); his grandchildren: Alana and Claire Babcock, Sarah and Ethan Smith, and Elijah Duffy; his sisters: Barbara Beechey of Paris, ON, and Elizabeth Pettigrew (Les) of Ayr, ON; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, George Hamilton Babcock, Sr. and Elizabeth Morton Babcock; brother, George H. Babcock; and sister, Margaret (Peggy) Babcock.

John was born in Hamilton, Ontario, on September 22, 1929. He received his B.Sc. Civil Engineering degree from Tri-State College in Angola, IN. While there, he met Joan and they were married on September 30, 1961. They lived in Caramat, ON until June of 1967, when John moved his family to Terrace, BC. He enjoyed working and helping develop the roads, bridges, and sawmills for BC Timber in Terrace, Kitwanga and Hazelton. He was very active in the community and their organizations; he was elected as school trustee and as their representative at Northwest Community College.

John will be forever remembered for listening to and acting upon ideas that could help others have a better quality of life, and for encouraging young people to further their education and develop their talents. His grandchildren were his greatest love and they will never forget his heartfelt interest in their lives as he always joined them to play. His family and friends will forever remember his thoughtfulness, generosity and optimism.

Upon his request, a small family gathering was held on Saturday, November 19th. Friends visited throughout the afternoon to celebrate their mutual friendship and memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Canadian Red Cross - Northern BC & Yukon Region, 1399 Sixth Avenue, Prince George, BC, V2L 5L6.



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