Photo courtesy of CLOSED-Harvey Family Funeral Home
Seattle, Washington
Dec 10, 1943 – Apr 12, 2015 (Age 71)
Ronald Dean Babcock
Ron died on Sunday, April 12, 2015 at home, after a long illness. He died in the arms of his loving wife, Mary, and his 2 beloved children, Susan and John. Ron was an admirable example of love and courage as he battled cancer for almost 3 years.
Ron was born in Parsons, Kansas on December 10, 1943 to Marvin Dean Babcock and Mary C. Yanez Babcock. He inherited both his parents' musical talent and worked his way through the University of Kansas playing bass guitar in a rock and roll band. His band, "The Comancheros", was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2010.
Following college, Ron served for 2 years in the Peace Corps in rural Brownstown, Jamaica and lived there with a Jamaican family. He taught shop to junior high boys with meager equipment and no electricity. He spoke often with great affection of the people whom he befriended there and of his fellow Peace Corps Volunteers. Ron then served in the US Army in Vietnam at Long Binh Army headquarters for 2 years. While there, he made regular visits to an orphanage, and gained the love and affection of many of the children and staff there. After four years of service to his country, Ron decided to move to Breckinridge, CO where he worked in a ski shop and learned to ski. Skiing was to remain a passion for Ron for the rest of his life.
After visiting Seattle in 1973, he decided to make it his home. He used his Industrial Arts degree working as a design engineer for many years. He and Mary, who also moved to Seattle in 1973, married on July 16, 1977. His children, Susan and John, and John's wife, Annalee, were the greatest blessings of his life. Ron was a faithful member of St. Luke Parish for 38 years and played his bass guitar in one of the church choirs. He made a parish mission trip to El Salvador in 2012 with Susan and Mary. Ron is also survived by his dear Mother, Mary C. Babcock, age 96 and his beloved brother Richard Dean Babcock and his wife Jennifer, all of Colorado Springs, CO, along with 8 wonderful nieces and nephews.
Ron's Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, April 17th at 11:00 a.m. at
St. Luke Catholic Church
322 N. 175th St., Shoreline, WA 98133
Remembrances may be made in Ron's name to Catholic Relief Services, www.crs.org, Catholic Community Services, www.ccsww.org, or to the charity of your choice.
Hoffner Fisher & Harvey
Guest book at harveyfuneral.com
I am shocked to hear of Ron's passing. I worked with him from 1992-1994. Ron was a great guy to work with and a sharp engineer. Prayers and strength to his family and friends.
Robert Vonk
April 25, 2015 | Piedmont, OK
We are so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I had spent many years working with Ron and learned a lot from him. He was a pleasure to work with and a good friend.
Bob and Debbie Heltemes
April 20, 2015
Richard, Mary, and family, Ron was a beautiful soul and will be missed greatly. You all are in my prayers.
Cindy Berndt (Yanez)
April 15, 2015
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Ron, but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Jamaica.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
April 15, 2015
We have such wonderful memories of Uncle Ron. He was such a talented and kind person. We will miss him much and he and Aunt Mary, Susan, John and Annalee will always to be in our thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs to you all.
Kelley Henderson and family
April 15, 2015 | Lansing, KS
