Leeward Babbie

LEEWARD C. BABBIE – OBITUARY

PERU, NY – Leeward C. Babbie, 87, of River Road, Peru, New York, passed away with his family by his side on August 27, 2025, at Meadowbrook Healthcare in Plattsburgh, New York. Leeward was born in Champlain, New York, on November 6, 1937, the son of Cyrille and Bertha (LaValley) Babbie.

Leeward was born into a dairy farm life and as he got older could not wait to get home from school to work his parents' farm. He used to sing as a boy while driving tractor and his mother could hear him from the house-a definite sign he was in his happy place! Farm work was Leeward's favorite pastime.

Leeward graduated high school at St. Mary's Academy in Champlain, New York, and received an Associate degree at Cornell University.

Leeward was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and family member. He is survived by two sisters, Rita Rae (Walter, predeceased) Laurin, and Audrey Falcon (Richard, predeceased). Leeward is also survived by his wife, Eunice Babbie, and his four children D. Lee Ledesma, David (Karen) Babbie, Sheila Babbie, and Todd Babbie. Leeward is likewise survived by his grandchildren Alexandria Ledesma Doiron (Chip), Eric Babbie, Jonathan Babbie (Erica), and Taylor Miner. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Akahia, Zoe, Bernard, Frederick, Olivia, George, and Coleman. He also is survived by his two stepsons Bobby (Linda) Yakey and Danny Yakey (Scott Yakey, predeceased).

From 1961 through 2001, Leeward owned and operated Hill-Lee Acres dairy farm in Peru where he started with 12 cows and 180 acres and sold it with 420 cows and 800 acres. During those same years, from 1962 through 1995, Leeward also drove school bus for the Peru Central School District.

Leeward was a member and leader in 4-H from 1948 through 1985 and also served as Chairman of the Clinton County 4-H Committee. He was a member and delegate for Dairylea and Eastern Milk Producers and Dairy Farmers of America. Leeward was a member and delegate of Agway Inc. and a member and chairman of the Peru Agway Store Committee. Leeward was similarly a member of the National Ayrshire committee and received an award for the highest producing Ayrshire herd in the northeast.

In 1972 Leeward was a Town of Peru Assessor for 4 years and after that was a member of the Town of Peru Assessment Review Board for 8 years.

It was Leeward's dream of sharing North Country history, as well as his extensive collection of rural and farm equipment and antiques, which led him to decide to open a museum. In 2010, Leeward, along with his nephew, Rick Laurin, and many other family members and volunteers, opened the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum, which is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and showcases rural and farm life from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s. The museum was a culmination of years collecting tractors, farm equipment and all types of rural and farm antiques. Leeward was always on hand at the Babbie Museum to highlight the indoor and outdoor exhibits linked to the family's rural and farming past and loved the idea of teaching school children how life was lived in the "olden days."

Relatives and friends are invited to call Tuesday, September 2nd from 4 to 7 PM at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 3rd at 10 AM at St Mary's Church, 86 Church Street in Champlain with Rev. William G. Reamer, celebrating. Committal Prayers and burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Leeward's family is inviting you to share in a celebration of life afterwards at the Babbie Museum, located at 250 River Road in Peru. Food and beverages will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Leeward Babbie may be made to the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum, 250 River Road, Peru, NY 12972.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055.