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1962
2012
259 Entries
Grace Brooks
December 4, 2015
Happened to think of Rex, and made my way to this page. I worked with Rex in the tiny art department of the Newport Beach Daily Pilot. My first real job, and he was as good a boss as he was a friend. We were all happy for him when he got his big break to intern with the Denver Post, but it was hard not to grieve, because things just weren't the same without him. We lost touch over the years, but I figured sooner or later, we'd bump into each other. And then I heard he had passed away. It's funny to feel the loss of someone you haven't talked with in 20-some years, but I do. And as we Orthodox say, memory eternal.
January 8, 2015
Please accept my sincere condolences and sincere prayers that go out to the surviving family and friends. May the God of comfort continue to bless you and yours especially after such an untimely loss of a very precious life please accept my deepest sympathies. (2 Cor. 1:2, 3).
Cheryl Clark
October 5, 2013
He made me think. Miss his genius.
Henry Kadish
July 23, 2013
I was just searching for Rex an old school friend...actually elementary school friend...and I'm just floored I just can't believe this has happened.
Peace Rex
Rosalie Powers
July 20, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. As a regular times Union reader, I missed him greatly when he moved to the Sacramento bee. His wife and family have my deepest condolences. He was one-of-a-kind. Rosalie Powers
May 15, 2013
You will be oh so missed old friend!
Sacramneto,Ca
Samuel Ayala
Lou Zalud
September 20, 2012
tears in my eyes for the loss of Rex. His cartoon from the airplane rescued by the hands of God is in my kitchen and computer room. May he rest in peace
Jeff Tyler
August 23, 2012
I knew Rex right after he graduated college. We had some mutual friends from San Diego and we would go out drinking in and around Orange County. Dreaming and planning our futures. we were so young and full of promise and hope then. I lost track of him over the years until this article popped up, very sad. We always had great conversations, not the menial, narrow ones that mostly occur in bars, but meaty political, social, and spiritual conversations,,,sometimes it helped when were trying to pick up girls or look smart, but mostly it was for the love of good conversation,,,he said something to me that I never forgot,,, "we're in our early 20s, let's enjoy it, this is going to be some of the best years in our lives." i was sad when he left for Denver, but now sadder still.
-Jeff Tyler
Patty Quakenbush
May 9, 2012
Rex Babin you will be dearly missed.The Sac Bee just isnt the same without your humorous cartoons.The political humor you had was so right on.I really loved how you made fun of Arnold!!May your family know how much of a impact you had on the readers of the sac bee.Rest in peace and God bless you.
Rachel Machado
April 30, 2012
I followed his columns and drawings regularly. He was a class act and left this journalist/columnist world way too soon. Fond memories for the family to get through this. God bless.
Rachel Machado, West Sacramento, CA.
Alana Brown Casey
April 28, 2012
Oh how I miss those insights into events that I might have missed while reading or listening to the news. And the ones I got immediately--you could hear me hoot from one end of the house to the other. Miss you, Rex
Rex's Memorial Service - Surfboard Recessional
K Babin
April 25, 2012
Susi Evers
April 21, 2012
I did not always agree with Rex Babin's point of view in his political cartoons, but I did like the way he made me think/consider about a subject.
April 16, 2012
God Bless Rex Babin!
Hugh Bower
April 16, 2012
It was great to see Kathleen yesterday. I had not seen Rex in a few years and am sad about that. I have some great memories hanging out with Rex drinking beer talking politics and sports. I will never forget our conversations about the various dysfunctionalities of California politics and how those conversations turned up in cartoons. My deepest sympathies to Kathleen and Sebastian.
Lori Roberto
April 16, 2012
I will miss Rex's genius and creativity, and always appreciated his work a great deal. I want to offer my sincere condolences to the family on your tremendous loss and wish you hope and peace in upcoming years.
M. Devers
April 16, 2012
Thank you Rex, for every single one! I was hooked on the Editorial page just because of you. Prior to moving here from SoCal, I never even turned to the Editorial page and then it became the first thing I turned to. You opened my eyes to many things. I will miss you.
Kris Johnson
April 15, 2012
I truly miss seeing Rex every morning in the Sacbee. His expertly drawn cartoons provided intelligent insights beyond what most op ed writers could ever say in 1000 words. Thank you Rex for feeding my mind and soul each day.
Michael Stewart
April 14, 2012
The road less traveled. Rex and I met 31 years ago as Pledges at Kappa Sigma Fraternity (SDSU); we were both 18, naive, and looking to meet new friends in a strange place. In those 4 youthful years that shaped us, we learned amongst other things, the true meaning of teamwork, integrity, courage, strength, pride, and brotherhood. Rex truly took "the road less traveled" to the max, and I am honored that we had crossed paths; Rex was the epitome of taking the "bull by the horns", and living life to its fullest.
May his laughter and smile burn bright in all of us...May the light touch those that he touched...May God rest his soul and protect those he loved...May those that loved him find solace that he has been touched by an angel...Rest in Peace until we meet again...
Jill Bryce
April 14, 2012
Kathleen and Sebastian
I knew Rex from his days in Albany, NY. He was very good friends with my cousin Donny... May God grant you the strength to cope with your profound loss.
Joann Mizutani
April 13, 2012
Rex Babin is my all-time favorite political cartoonist. I kept looking to see his creativity return to the Sac Bee on a regular basis. I will miss his insightful wit and artwork.
I pray that his wife and son will find great peace, knowing he had many fans, and that God will give them His peace that "surpasseth all understanding."
Maude Baum
April 13, 2012
We still wear the fun t shirt that Rex designed for us, spelling out eba with beautiful bodies. he will be missed.
eba Dance Theatre
Wanda Nicholson
April 12, 2012
My many, many fond memories of the privilege I had to to work with the AAEC include a wonderful convention in Sacramento, hosted by Rex (and his lovely wife Kathleen). Sebastian was the cutest little toddler at that time. Rex was tireless in his efforts to showcase his beloved city and ensure his colleagues had a great time - they did! It was particularly poignant for me as this was the last convention I had with the AAEC folks. I still miss them!! They were absolutely my favorite group I ever worked with in almost 30 years.
Rex, you were a giant among them, for many reasons. You will be missed and your legacy will live on in your work and your family.
Deb Pierce
April 11, 2012
I remember Rex from the River City Rowing Club. He really loved to row. Today would have been Thereasa Polet's 50th birthday; she was a former coach at RCRC and she too passed away, back in August. As I was thinking about her, I found out about Rex. His cartoons always spoke volumes and I always looked forward to seeing them. RIP, Rex. Now you're rowing with the Lord.
April 11, 2012
We will miss his insightful and powerful cartoons, which were the result of deep thought and great talent. Many times we cut them out and put them on the fridge! Sorry for his family to lose him in the prime of life.
Sincerely,
Kirk and Linda Draper
(Oroville, CA)
Gail Branner
April 11, 2012
We moved to Roseville in 2001 and that is when we began to read the Bee and discovered Rex Babin. We looked for those every day and felt a loss when he wasn't there. What a great gift he had with the insight of what was happening in our world. We lost our son at 48 and our daughter at 54; so young and too soon for all of them. The family is in our prayers.
Steve Mehlman
April 10, 2012
Only the good die young...Rex is another prime example. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Randall Williams
April 9, 2012
Political cartooning was taken to new heights by Rex Babin. We have lost invaluable creativity and a gifted observer of the public square. But we are left with an archival treasury of timeless wisdom.
Gerry Watt
April 9, 2012
Thanks, Rex, for the years of enlightening and thought-provoking drawings and writings. My condolences to your family, friends, and colleagues. You passed way too soon.
Mike Smith
April 6, 2012
I didn't get the chance to talk with Rex often, but when we did it was always an enjoyable and engaging conversation that would go on for hours. I will miss those conversations.
Pat Wright
April 6, 2012
To the Beloved Family of Rex Babin...Please accept my sincere sympathy. I have been out of the country on a holiday, and just read the announcement in the Bee today. You lost a loved husband and father...we lost a wonderful talented artist who could capture a political thought like no other. I always wanted to tell him how I admired his prospective and talent...I guess we always think we have plenty of time! I am so sorry for your loss...the Bee just won't be the same without Rex. What a sad day.
Denise Lockie
April 6, 2012
My deepest condolences to Rex Babin's family, although I never meet him; I have an autographed cartoon from the "Miracle on The Hudson". Rest In Peace...Flight 1549 2C
Linda Buzgheia
April 6, 2012
To the family of Rex Babin,
My sincere condolences. I admired Rex's gift for capturing the essence of an event or political issue in a single drawing. Many times I cut out his cartoon and pinned it up or shared it with others. I still have one on my bulletin board from several years ago. I will greatly miss his contribution to the Bee and to society at large.
Sincerely,
S Andrade
April 6, 2012
It is a sad day, when someone of such potential is taken from expressing current events in cartoons as Rex's did. He creative art was always a well thought out body of work, with a message clearly stated leaving me with a smile on my face.
c. montgomery
April 5, 2012
I being an avid reader of the bee , i always went first to look at REX'S cartoons for the day, i will miss his great work,, !!\ THANK YOU, REX, rest in peace.
April 5, 2012
Rest in peace, sir!
Angela F. Luna
April 4, 2012
Rex made a difference in the lives of so many and he made people think and see things from different angles-brilliance manifested. Thank you, Rex, for all you gave through your amazing gift of art. My thoughts are with you and your family, especially your son, Sebastian.
Evan Jones
April 4, 2012
Rex proved to be the rare exception to the rule, "No one is irreplaceable."
Margaret Rhode
April 4, 2012
I was not a fan of Babin's liberal cartoons, but the one of God's hands holding up the plane on the Hudson was brilliant. I hope that his wife and son realize that his craft did indeed speak to the fact that "a picture is worth a thousand words," and their husband and father excelled at his job-no matter what one's political beliefs. He will be remembered as a Sacramento icon-biting wit, exceptional talent, and passed too soon. My sincere condolences to his family and may your memories comfort you in the coming years.
Curt Granger
April 4, 2012
To my doubles rowing mate 01-04. You touched many people. The humor today at the ceremony was very comforting and captured your spirit. Pete told me a few of your rowing mates etched your name in a well known spot. I stopped at the REX! and looked across the causeway to the place we rowed long, hard and well together. We will miss you on and off the water.
Jessica Reveles
April 4, 2012
Mr. Babin,
Sadly I didn't have the pleasure of knowing you. However, I feel truly blessed and honored to have been a part in celebrating your life! It was the greatest pleasure singing in rememberance of you and I will hold the stories shared about you in my heart. Listening to your loved ones speak, you are truly a beautifully spirited and gifted creation of God! I wish more people were like you and shared your attitude towards life, love and family; I know I will do my best to do so!! <3
Arthur Ericsson
April 4, 2012
Rex, you made rowing the brotherhood that it is supposed to be, even for us guys well out of college. Competitive but you never took it too serious. You realized long ago that life is too precious for that. You spoke up for what needed to be said when most others didn't want to rock the boat. Outside the boat you were a great friend in all regards. Thanks for being you and I will never forget you.
Bern Zovistoski
April 4, 2012
I worked with Rex at the Times-Union and grew to respect him as a person and as a professional who was witty and talented, and I've watched his career blossom ever since. It was simply stunning to learn this news. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and son. He was, simply, a terrific guy.
Jason Baker
April 3, 2012
When I was in elementary school, we took a field trip to the Sacramento Bee. We said hi to Rex Babin and watched him work a bit. He's always stood out from the rest to me because of the trip and his work.
Mary Anne
April 3, 2012
You were the best Rex, and we will miss you very much. Enjoy the next destination. Blessings to your family.
Steve Jacobs
April 3, 2012
I have many great memories of Rex. We worked together and hung out at the 1994 Woodstock Festival in New York. We had many talks in his office at the Albany (NY) Times Union.. and most memorable, the crazy late nights we shared in downtown Albany.. Rex made me laugh.. He had a great dry sense of humor, as reflected in his art. He will be missed by all that knew him. Prayers to his wife and child. Thanks for laughs, Rex... Rest in Peace, my friend.
Karen Nelson
April 3, 2012
We have lost one of the best things about Sacramento.
Lynn Wright
April 3, 2012
I am deeply saddened by Mr. Babin's death. His cartoon was the first thing I looked for in the Bee and no one can replace him. He once had a cartoon with the words "Peace on Earth". It still touches my heart.
B.T. Hulett
April 3, 2012
GOD needed the best. RIP Mr. BABIN.
Nijole
April 2, 2012
I'm very saddened to hear of Rex's passing. I have so many "cut-outs" of his comics that I've enjoyed through the years. My deepest condolences to his wife, son, and family. I will miss his insightful work.
Mooniek Seebregts
April 2, 2012
Dear Kathleen and Sebastian, it must be hard to be without Rex, you have been so together the past years.
My thought: the Gods needed an angel like Rex. Now he can take care of many more people etc.
much love for you Kathleen, and Sebastian from Kirk, Maya Nika and Mooniek.
And thank everyone for contributing and helping!
Joe Paz
April 2, 2012
Like all things precious there is never enough. And it escapes us not knowing its true value til we reflect its loss.
I owe you Rex for wisdom and delight.
My deepest condolences to Kathleen and Sebastian
George Costenbader
April 2, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Rex for 9 years, he was quite a guy. I loved his work and especially his personality. He always treated me with kindness and respect. I pray he is in a better place with no pain.
April 2, 2012
To one of the greatest political cartoonist in California history. You will be missed and impossible to replace
Galen Sanderlin
April 2, 2012
Rex your comics are some of my favorites. They decorate my cube and home. You will be missed.
Gary & Yvonne Smith
April 2, 2012
There were many times that I did not agree with Mr Babin, but if he was guilty of anything in his way too short life, it was making people think.
And that was what we liked the most about him.
Mr. Babin, your sharp wit and point of veiw will be missed in our house-hold.
April 2, 2012
Dear Kathleen,
I am so sorry about Rex's passing, he was always so pleasant when he would come in for his treatments; no matter how much pain he was in. Loved his cartoons. My condolences to you and
Sebastian.
Monica, Sutter Infusion.
Tim Eagan
April 2, 2012
Kathleen and Sebastian, I am sorry for your loss. Rex had a great spirit and a keen sense of righteousness. I can only hope a little rubbed off on me.
Teresita Humilde
April 2, 2012
How sad to see a brilliant man go so young not to mention very handsome (my firt time to see his picture). My condolences to his family. My favorite cartoon of him was the all Presidents (Nixon, Ford, Carter, Bush) it's embedded in my head but forgot to make a copy of that particular cartoon. He will be missed!
Stephanie Christensen
April 2, 2012
Dear Kathleen and Sebastian:
I had the pleasure of knowing Rex as a colleague and friend through my work as the assistant to the Ombudsman and Bee tour guide.
How Rex's eyes would light up, when I walked into his office to inform him the Ombudsman's office was hearing complaints about his day's cartoon. What that meant – his cartoon hit another homerun.
As a Bee tour guide, I would stop by Rex's office and let him know I was conducting a tour on a certain day, and would he mind if I stopped by with my group. He was always accommodating, and when the day arrived, he would welcome my group into his office and we'd all squish around his work area.
I can still hear him say, as he leaned back in his chair with his feet propped up, with paper and pencil in hand: “You probably think I'm not working and just goof in' around…” He would then inform them he was actually working very hard to come up with an idea for the following day's cartoon.
As the paper continued to downsize, Rex wondered at times, whether The Bee might downsize him as some point. I would tell him, not to worry, “You're the only celebrity left at the paper.” Rex would smile.
Sending heartfelt condolences, love and support to the Babin family.
joel pett
April 2, 2012
I loved Rex. I still do. My heartfelt sympathies to his beloved Kathleen and Sebastian, and to all those grieving his departure...carpe diem
Scott Rowland
April 2, 2012
His work entertained and enlightened. He will be missed.
My condolences to his friends and family.
Curtis Trammell
April 2, 2012
I became familiar with Rex's cartoons as part of my job working for a competitor syndicate. His work was courageous, spot on and unapologetic. My condolences to his family.
ann
April 2, 2012
Rex was one of a kind. Weren't we all lucky to get in on part of his ideas! He continues to inspire us. My best to his family
Liz Romero
April 2, 2012
Never met you, but always looked for you. Your cartoons always said what I felt. Will miss you very much. Liz Romero, Woodland
John Matthews
April 2, 2012
A wonderful talent who was entirely too young to leave us.
helen oropeza
April 2, 2012
May you rest in peace, Rex BAbin. You were the best; you always hit the nail right on the head. I will miss your cartoons. Helen
Mick McCarthy
April 2, 2012
Rex inhaled life and exhaled brilliance that touched everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. My most memorable times rowing at ARC always included Rex. He will be missed and fondly remembered by so many. My condolences to his family.
Bill Keye
April 2, 2012
Babin was the best.
david hitch
April 2, 2012
Rex- We rarely agreed on things political, but I always knew you to be a good guy and great cartoonist. My condolences to your family.
Your colleague at King,
Dave Hitch
Margo McKeon-Durrett
April 1, 2012
I cheered Rex on at football games at San Dieguito High School in Encinitas. I remember that he wanted to be a cartoonist. Years later I was thrilled to see his work in The Bee and emailed him to see if he remembered me. I received such a kind response in return and later connected again on Facebook. I loved his work and The Bee will not be the same without him. Rest in peace Rex.
denise holmes
April 1, 2012
I feel so fortunate to have heard Rex speak at the SacBee not too long ago. What an impressive, kind and witty man. His love of his family came through the talk loud and clear. It is so hard to understand why life takes turns like this. To the family, love and light are with you. You are in my prayers at this difficult time.
CiCi Campo
April 1, 2012
RIP Rex Babin
Norine Mullen
April 1, 2012
Rex had the ability to connect with people of all ages. He could entertain, educate, and amaze readers and Sacramento Bee visitors with his keen wit and incredible talent. My condolences to his family and Sacramento Bee employees. Rex will be missed but remembered for his gifts.
Donna Brouch
April 1, 2012
Rex was brilliant! His art so truly summed up and fit the situation. I will miss him very much. To his family and friends, my sincere condolences.
Ralph Sullivan
April 1, 2012
Mr. Babin and his work will be missed. His cartoons were always entertaining thought provocative. Even when they stung a little.
My condolences to his family.
Trish Tyl
April 1, 2012
Kathleen, my heart aches for the whole situation, as you know it is close to my own heart, please remember that he is pain free and by your side all the time. This I know. Peace to all of you now.
Linda Banta
April 1, 2012
I will sorely miss Rex's political commentary / via pictures so many times he portrayed exactly what needed to be "said" without words. Best wishes and condolences to his family.
Sabine Jakob
April 1, 2012
Kathleen and family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. What a tragedy! So many great cartoons that I enjoyed and took for granted for the years to come. We have never met but I am in shock. For me only the Bee will be different. I cannot imagine how you must feel.
You are in my thoughts.
Fran Copp
April 1, 2012
My condolences to Rex's family. I was always entertained or shocked by Rex's cartoons. I so admired his wit and ability to address complex issues distilled in a single picture. I looked forward to seeing his work in the Bee and thinking to myself, it had to be a Rex Babin cartoon to come up with whatever he was addressing.
April 1, 2012
I read Babin's cartoons for years...
So young to die - but what a legacy as one of the best in the history of news 'toons...
Thank you, sir. Love and faith to your family. SSchloth in Ecuador
Susan Porter
April 1, 2012
Our hearts ache...
Susan & Andy
Beth Henderson
April 1, 2012
Wow, a true light extinguished before his time. Condolences to your family and to the Bee staff. You will be sorely missed.
tony
April 1, 2012
I saw a Babin cartoon for the first time this morning on Cagle post .. Googled his name immediately to find out more.
Now I only have his glorious past to look at.
RIP .. I will try and emulate your cartooning ...........Toonopia
Susie Aronson
April 1, 2012
Thank you Rex for sharing your talents with us. I will miss your wonderful cartoons of important subject matter so eloquently emphasized by a winning combination of knowledge, wisdom, wit,and art.
Rest in Peace.
My prayers are with your wife and son.
rhybeckah
April 1, 2012
Prayers go out to your family.
rhybeckah davila
April 1, 2012
Such a beautiful and gifted man. Such a loss for us, his readers.
Bob Rogen
April 1, 2012
I had the great honor of sharing pain and triumph with Rex as we rowed together 2000-2006. He and Kathleen were the first to greet me at the boathouse when I returned to rowing and we shared a lot on and off the water. Tuesday night ergs together at the gym, seat racing in prep for the Head of the Charles, and beer 'n eggs at Fox and Goose after a tough Saturday morning row-the memories flood me, as my sadness engulfs me. Tough love-that was Rex to me: tough in a boat or discussing politics, and always filled with love. He kept you honest, kept you on edge, made you smile at life and yourself. So glad I visited with him a few months ago, setting up his stationary bike so he could still work out in front of the TV. I will always miss him, I will always cherish my time with him.
Chris Hach
April 1, 2012
Rex Babin - a rare and wonderful combination of humor, intelligence, & heart. We make plans and God laughs; now when God laughs,Rex will create a cartoon. Wish he was here to draw that thought. He will be missed. God bless family & friends.
Jeff Danziger
April 1, 2012
We'll miss him. Up there having a beer with Herblock, Paul Conrad, David Low, Carl Giles,and the others...
Brenda Rafter
April 1, 2012
So very sad to read about Rex's death. His cartoons resonated with me and I kept telling myself that I needed to e-mail him and tell him how much I enjoyed his work, especially the one of the plane that landed in the Hudson. I never did tell him and now I regret it. This is an example of not telling people how much their lives have touched you while they are alive. I would like to take this opportunity now to tell Rex's family how much I appreciated his work. I'd like for his son to know that there are very few people in this world that can capture words with cartoons, photos, artwork, etc. but his father was one of those.God Bless the family and keep them safe.
Eric Douglas
April 1, 2012
Rex was - and will always be - one of the smartest, most entertaining editorial cartoonists in the business. The Bee was fortunate to have him grace its pages. I will miss him greatly as a friend - and as a social commentator. He always brought more sense to our lives.
My heart goes out to Sebastian and Kathleen. I know that Rex left them a lasting treasure of his love.
Joyce Rosenberg
April 1, 2012
We all will miss this brilliant and beloved editorial cartoonist and gentleman.
Ann Telnaes
April 1, 2012
Heartbreaking news. Rex was a very talented cartoonist as well as a very nice guy. My sincere condolences to Kathleen and his family.
John Oram
April 1, 2012
Rex made me think, laugh, and say "too true". Your insights will be missed.
Deb Milbrath
April 1, 2012
What a talent, what energy, what a fun guy. We will so miss you at the AAEC conventions. We lost Rex too soon. My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
David Zuckerman, PhD
April 1, 2012
I had the honor of being interviewed on television with Rex about the Mohammad cartoons in Denmark. Rex was courteous, professional, and personable. My condolences go out to his loved ones.
Pam Winters
April 1, 2012
Rex was a dear friend, mentor and a big brother to me. He had one of the biggest hearts I ever knew, and I will miss him tremendously. It was always comforting just to know he was in this world. My heart hurts to think of never seeing his warm smile again. We shared a real connection as colleagues and as friends. He was a highly respected and well-known editorial cartoonist, and yet, when I showed up to my first AAEC convention, he could not have been more generous with his time and support. He truly loved helping others, and he inspired you to do your best. I hope he knew how much this meant to me, and how much I valued him as a person who changed my life. I am sad that Rex is no longer here, because it's not every day that you meet people with his idealism and enthusiasm. His influence and talent will live on through his amazing body of work.
I send my love, support and condolences to Kathleen and Sebastian. We love you.
Bob Mulligan
March 31, 2012
Tomorrow will just not be the same, forever.
Reza Yasseri
March 31, 2012
Thanks for making me think
Thanks for your honesty
Thanks for your interpretation of daily events
and thanks for sharing your work with all of us!
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