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Robert Babbish Obituary

Babbish, Robert N.
June 6, 1915 - Jan. 24, 2012

Robert N. "Bob" Babbish, 96, of Sarasota died Jan. 24, 2012.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday St. Jude Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Delphine M.; a daughter, Dr. Happy Babbish, a veterinarian in Houston, Texas; a son, Byron C. Babbish (Elaine), a lawyer in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; and three grandchildren, Chelsea, Michael and Brigid Babbish.
Bob Babbish and his Loving Wife of 60 years, Delphine, both retired and moved from Bloomfield Hills, Mich. to Sarasota, Fla. in 1982.
Bob survives his five siblings, Rose (Koss), John, Walter, Frank and Chester. Born in Helvetia, Pa., the family moved to Detroit when Bob was 5.
He graduated from University of Detroit School of Commerce and Finance in 1941. He was a Captain in the U.S. Army, enlisting upon graduation from College and Served in Europe during World War II in the 13th Corps Special Services and USO Service. He then worked as a manufacturer's rep. in Detroit until retirement. Bob was one of the Best Amateur Golfers from the State of Michigan. In College, Bob won 24 Golf Matches Playing as Captain for the University of Detroit, culminating with a Victory over Notre Dame, Captained by Walter Hagen, Jr., in 1941. Known as the greatest U-D Golfer of all-time and the No. 1 Collegiate Golfer in the Nation in 1938, Bob was the First U-D Athlete other than a football or basketball player to win a Varsity Letter. Bob gained recognition as one of the State's First Amateurs when he captured the 1935 Michigan Amateur. He won the Michigan Open Amateur in 1934 and 1937, the Michigan Medalist in 1956 and 1957. Bob's Greatest Golf Achievement was winning the Prestigious 1938 Western Amateur Golf Championship in South Bend, Ind., a National Event and the only Michigan Golfer to ever win this Title. He played in Five U. S. Amateur Tournaments and Seven U. S. Opens. He never turned Pro but finished Eighth in the 1950 Motor City Open Besting the likes of Ben Hogan, Cary Middlecoff and Sam Sneed. Bob was the Club Champion at the Detroit Golf Club many times while he was a member there from 1951 to 1982. He was a member of the Meadows Country Club in Sarasota for the past 20 years where if he wasn't playing golf you would find him enjoying a Game of Bridge. Bob played Golf until he was 94 years old and had 13 holes-in-one. Bob was Inducted into the Michigan Amateur Sports Hall of Fame (1979), the University of Detroit Sports Hall of Fame (1980) and the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame (1989).
In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made to the Bob Babbish Memorial Fund for the Men's Golf Program at the University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W. McNichols Road, Detroit, Michigan 48221-3038

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald Tribune from Jan. 28 to Jan. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Babbish

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Rodger Hutchinson

January 9, 2024

What a privilege it was to share a few years with Bob. Getting to know his wife (Del) son (Byron) and daughter (Happy). What a great family, I was so grateful to get to know them all. RIP

Donna Hein

January 22, 2021

Sending much Love!

Patti Krajenke Brenckle

February 13, 2012

How wonderful you had your dad for so many years, that is so cool he played until he was 94! You have my deepest sympathy at your loss. My dad (Dick Krajenke) loved your dad so very much. May he enjoy the big golf course in the sky. Sincerely, Patti Krajenke Brenckle

Carol Krajenke Lawrence

February 13, 2012

May God bless all of you during this time of sorrow. My Father, Dick Krajenke, and Bob played golf together for many years on Sunday mornings in the "Hamtramck Open". I think those were the times that my Dad looked back on most fondly.

Mary Beth Krajenke-Doerr

February 13, 2012

Our prayers are with you all. I'm sure my dad, Dick Krajenke, and Bob are playing another 18 holes as you read this! God bless!

Nancy Krajenke Klasnick

February 13, 2012

To all of Bob's family, I was fortunate to know your husband, father and grandfather when he played golf with my Dad, Dick Krajenke, at the Detroit Golf Club. I know Dad loved and admired Bob for his talent but most of all for his unassuming nature. He cherished his friendship dearly. I think Dad has been waiting for 19 years for his partner to show up so he is happy. My prayers are with all of you.

Sylvia Smith

January 31, 2012

I had the pleasure of playing my first round of golf with Bob, and he was a wonderful golfer and a very pleasant man.

Donna Hein, DVM

January 31, 2012

My prayers are with you. I had the pleasure of meeting your father, Happy, when I happened to go to Dr. Yang the first time with my family. What great accomplishments your father made- WOW!

Matt Schirle

January 30, 2012

Thoughts and prayers are with Bob and all of you. Just imagine he is already past St. Peters gates and made his first Hole-in-One already. I bet they also have a sandwich named after him at the club !! He was a legend here and I am sure his reputation will get him the best tee time up there!!

Leah Ann

January 30, 2012

Mrs. Babbish, Happy, Byron, Elaine, Chelsea, Michael and Brigid: I am so sorry about the loss of Pops....husband, father, grandfather. He was always so full of life and so darn charming. I don't know if I ever told you the story about the one an only time I took golf lessons when I spent the summer at Lake Tahoe in 1982....the golf pro knew Bob Babbish and effused about his talent. I was such a long way from home and still they knew Bob Babbish!!! What a hoot! Hugs to you all during this sad time. Love, Leah Ann

Kurt Jung

January 30, 2012

What a special figure in my life -- and that of my family and the neighbors on Darcy, Hill Line Trail, and Halla -- has been lost. It's been a blessing and privilege to know him all these years, and to be the recipient of his good nature, sound advice, gentle sense of humor and dependable support. Those wonderful autumn trips to Jack Miners and area nature centers ended decades ago, but they are still vibrantly alive in my memory. Happy, Byron, Del: celebrate the life of this remarkable man, and carry his torch forward.

Susan Gariepy-Ludgin

January 28, 2012

My heart goes out to you Del.I'm so happy I was able to visit with Bob @ the pool last year.We had such a fun time talking:) I am so sorry for your loss.Wish I could be there for you! My thought & prayers are with you & the Family.

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