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1952 - 2015

BORN

1952

DIED

2015

JOHN BABBIT Obituary

John Steven Babbit Author, Musician, Educator and Court Jester Steve was born on July 21, 1952 in Tacoma, and passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2015 while fly fishing on the Cowlitz River at Blue Creek. Steve loved and devoted himself to teaching kids (and adults) about life and spirituality. He was an exceptional brother and human being, the kind that is truly rare to find. Steve loved to travel to Israel, speak Hebrew, teach English, and be with close friends and family always. Being an author, enjoying music, and being Grandpa were a huge part of his soul. And, he was a self-professed Court Jester and faithful member of The Skunks. He is survived by many, but most importantly Chiarra. He will be deeply missed by all of us. Good people only come so often. We love you Steve. Vaya con Dios. Services will be held at Temple Beth El this Sunday, 27 September 2015, at 3:30.

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

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Sep. 23, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN BABBIT

58 Entries

Billy Duncan

November 12, 2024

I am a former student of Steve's, he called me Sir William. It's been more than 15 years and I was thinking about him while conducting military training. I am very sad to hear of his loss, my prayers go out to his loved ones. I will be puchasing all of his books from Amazon and will try my best to find his resting place to pay my respects.

Shannon Kirby

September 17, 2024

Steve and I met at Mann junior high we played football together until we graduated from high school. He was a good athlete and a good friend. Very considerate of others and a fun guy to hang out with. Steve had a strong faith and great wit. We enjoyed several movies together at the Drive in theater. We would also taught a couple friends how to drive their cars. We water skied on January 1 every year at salters point on the sound. We called ourselves "sons of the frozen north ". College took us in different locations but we caught up every summer. Steve loved Isreal and spoke well of his time there.
Truely a man of his word!

Dan Lindner

January 16, 2022

I student taught for Larry Weaver back in 2001 and I shared a portable with Steve Babbit. We had a thin wall and connecting door between us and he used to drop in and visit. I loved it because he always had a funny comment or joke and the largest smile on his face. He was a natural storyteller, funny and comedic, and I knew I wanted to become a teacher because I wanted a life like Steve Babbit.

Jody-Anne Campbell

September 26, 2021

I still think about you, so often. And I continue to miss you and the goodness you shared in my life. I wish you were here. I wish that!

susan babbit

September 17, 2019

Stevik~ Four years have passed and the sorrow of losing you remains just under the surface. I drove by your house the other day (15th of September) just as the school bus was dropping off the kids. For a split second I looked for you and Chiarra. Jenn and I miss you so very much, and we are still kind of mad at you for leaving this planet. Love you anyway~always. Forever.
Shosha

October 20, 2015

Stevik~ There are no words to describe the impact of your absence. I miss you so very much. We all do. You are so loved...my big brother, my friend.

Beverly Buster

October 10, 2015

John Steven Babbit
Love of my life. Thank you for the army
of angels you have sent to surround Chiarra from the huge void she now has in her life. She will scuba dive, cycle, climb mountains, ride horses, swim, travel, be a scholar, a loving spiritual child you longed for. We will move on forward with your spirit leading us.
Beverly D.Buster

Dylan Novicky

October 8, 2015

Mr. Babbit showed me it was alright to just be myself. As long as I just believed in who I was and which way I was headed, it was going to be alright. Who would have thought 6th grade math could be so deep?

Darla Graham

October 5, 2015

I had Mr. Babbit at KPMS, and I will always remember what fun his class was. He saw me years later at the Post Office and remembered me, which I found amazing. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Chiarra

September 30, 2015

I love you Grandpa.

Charlie Hill

September 29, 2015

Thankful for the opportunity to have had Mr. Babbit as a math teacher at Harbor Ridge Middle School during the 6th grade. His humor and authenticity made math fun for the first time for me and his memorable anecdotes and catchphrases have stuck with me to this day ("work smart, not hard!"). 20 years later and working in public education, I am ever greatful of the impact that strong and engaging educators have on so many students and their futures. Mr. Babbit, you will be greatly missed.

Bella Buster

September 29, 2015

RIP Steve. Thank you for all of your love, support, and encouragement. Thank you for being Grandpa to my baby girl Chiarra. I know that you are now watching over her, along with my father. You are greatly missed but not forgotten. Respect.

Robb McGee

September 28, 2015

For me, Steve Babbit was one of those rare teachers and individuals that you see portrayed in movies made about teachers that made a difference in peoples lives. Mr. Babbit was my physical education teacher and wrestling coach while I attended Kopachuck Middle School. He was one of those rare instructors that took genuine interest in his students. He was positive, supportive, caring and inclusive. He was the kind of person who you could trust with anything that was happening in your life. He would be there for you, and he would always be on your side. He impacted my life profoundly and in a way that I still feel some 30 years later. Thank you Mr. Babbit. You were special.

Bill Brewster

September 28, 2015

I got to know Steve after his teaching years and lived in the same community with him. I appreciated being about the same age as Steve and might think of him as I put on one of my myriad of tye-dye shirts. Steve still wore them too. My last memory of Steve was at our community 4th of July celebration. It was dark and he was laying by himself on the grass looking up to the sky and the fireworks and was completely bundled up in coat with a hood. I recognized him though and we had a laugh together. Steve seemed than a larger than life kind of guy. I'm thinking that we will see each other again...

Cami (Terwilliger) Huntting

September 27, 2015

What a shock! He was a fun teacher I think of often even to this day. ( Adna in the 70's) Funny to think he was only 8 years older than us. RIP Mr. Babbitt.

Sarah Powers

September 27, 2015

I will always remember Mr. Babbit's smile and easy laugh. He was a great teacher and just a fun guy to be around. May God be with your family at this time of sorrow.

Anne Allard-Wainwright

September 27, 2015

I was in shock when I heard of Steve's unexpected death. I am praying for your family and that they will find great comfort in your memory! I LOVED working alongside the zany and deeply wonderful Babbit, and his "frequently off-the-reservation" antics as part of team Babbit/Boach/Selfors!! My memories of teaching alongside you and how much you cared for those kids will always bring a smile to my heart. You lived a life that touched so many, including me. It was an honor to call you friend. You will be missed

Nathan Nelson

September 27, 2015

So sad to hear of John's passing. My condolences to his family and close friends.

Mr. Babbit was my P.E. teacher. He was my favorite teacher while at Key Peninsula Middle School. I remember my wood shop teacher Mr. Selfors would get our class together and some Friday's we would go play mud football with Coach Babbit's class.

He will be missed!

Kathryn Townsend

September 27, 2015

I have so many great memories of him playing piano for my husband,Keith Hawson. So much humor and laughter. When my daughter was 4, he wore a pink bunny suit to deliver an Easter basket. I was always amazed at the kid in him. I am sure Keith greeted him when he arrived home. Rest in Peace, precious man.

Christian Foster

September 27, 2015

Thanks for all you taught me both in the classroom and on the field of competition. You will be missed.

Deborah Bonilla

September 27, 2015

I will miss my friend very very much. My dad loved him very much and he loved my dad. And now they are together again. My prayers are with your family.

Rhonda Waterstradt (Taylor)

September 27, 2015

So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I could always count on him to be passionate about teaching and an advocate for kids and teachers. I appreciated his honesty and sense of humor. My heart aches for his family and loved ones who feel the pain of his loss, but I know he will be watching out for you.

Janet Wheeler

September 27, 2015

Thank you, Coach, for teaching me how to be a goalkeeper. You never knew how much those lessons would mark my life for years to come; how special, strong, and important I felt because you took the time to show me I could be all that. It meant the world to that 7th grade Goodman kid, and helped me in immeasurable ways as I grew to adulthood. I'm sorry I never shared this with you. My condolences to your family.

mary merritt

September 27, 2015

You were such an amazing inspiration to me growing up.I am truly saddened by your passing,you will be greatly missed,but never forgotten.

Jody-Anne Rickard

September 26, 2015

You were such a good friend to me, Steven. I wondered why you didn't call me that day. You said you would call me and meet for lunch, on your way back from fishing on the Cowlitz. And this evening, I learned why you didn't call. I learned of your passing. I am so sorry for all who are left here to miss you. Mostly, I am sorry for that little girl, Chiarra, who you loved so much. You are in heaven now, watching over us all.

Robb McGee

September 26, 2015

Steve Babbit was, for me, one of those teachers you read about or see portrayed in the movies due to the impact he could have on his student's lives. He was kind, generous, intelligent and inclusive. I had Mr. Babbit as a physical education teacher as well as a wrestling coach at Kopachuck Middle School. He gave me confidence and a sense of belonging. He made me, and I believe every student he taught, feel as though we had value and worth. He made an impact in my life that I still feel deeply some 30 years later. Thank you Mr. Babbit. You were special.

Diana Nole

September 26, 2015

We will miss you my friend!;)....Hugs~~

Jimmy Thrall

September 26, 2015

Mr. Babbit was my 7th grade English and History Teacher at Harbor Ridge Middle School. He always made the class room fun, made learning very enjoyable and he had a huge impact on a lot of students. He was my neighbor growing up so it was easy to keep in touch with him over the years. He will be missed.

Daniel Tice

September 26, 2015

When I went to Harbor Ridge Middle School in the late 1990s, Mr. Babbit was the most highly coveted teacher...the kids adored him and I was always jealous of my peers that were lucky enough to be his student. His classroom was busy and noisy, not with poor behavior but utter engagement and delight with learning. I walked over to his room many days just to sneak a peek at the days activities. He was always kind and gracious, and often funny as hell. RIP Mr. Babbit. You gave the world a lot of light!!

James Spezia

September 26, 2015

He was a great teacher!

Doc Malmin

September 26, 2015

Steve always greeted me with a smile and "Hello, Doc!" Then would come some interesting tidbit of information about his life. I'm sorry to read of his passing!

September 26, 2015

jeremy nimrick

September 26, 2015

Mr. Babbit was a hell of a teacher and motivator. He will be remembered.
-Jeremy Nimrick

Zoe Kaiser

September 26, 2015

Mr. Babbit <3 you were by far one of the coolest & enjoyable teachers I ever did have :) you made math so much fun! You were just a good, fun person. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends. Thank you for making an impact on my life, I will never forget you!

Marita Tarabochia

September 26, 2015

Steve Babbit was one of my husband's (Dave Tarabochia - "Boach") most precious friends. He was the only person present at Dave's father's (Johnny's) bedside as he passed. Steve sang Johnny's favorite song as he bade him farewell. Steve's wry, slapstick humor was a hallmark of his personality, and absolutely no one was spared. The relationship between 'Boach' and Babbit was a special one: Boach played straight man to Babbit's zany escapades, and they both enjoyed their stint on the Skunks hockey team: "We stink! So What!" Steve was a champion of the 'downtrodden'. As a teacher, 'Babbit' always requested the opportunity to work with the kids who struggled the most, and he made them shine. Steve helped Dave order my engagement ring, and I will think him whenever I look at it.
Thank you Steve. Rest in Peace.

Mandy Sparks

September 26, 2015

I had Mr. Babbit as a teacher. He was such a fun guy, and had a great smile. When I think about it, I dont remember him without that smile. My prayers are with his family for comfort. RIP Mr. Babbit.

Barby Radmacher

September 26, 2015

Next time we meet, it will be just inside that Eastern Gate! You will be missed down here, but you have graduated to your Heavenly dwelling place! Thank you for your friendship and awesome love for kids!

Bob Gerth

September 25, 2015

To Scottie and Sue, I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I remember him fondly from when we were little kids. He was an awesome big brother to you. God bless you now and always

Shari Watt

September 24, 2015

My deepest sympathy to Steve's family. I met Steve in September 1975. I was a sophomore in high school and he was my teacher. We remained friends throughout the years. What a wonderful friend he was! My life is much richer because he was a part of it.

Dean artis

September 24, 2015

John and I first met in junior high school. We were teammates on the Mann Mustang wrestling team. While at Lakes High School we were very competitive in the PE strength training program. With his encouragement I continued with strength training and became one of the strongest persons in the Puget Sound area. He was one of the nicest persons I have ever had the privilege of meeting and a true gentleman. We were also classmates at the University of Puget Sound. We lost touch over the years but met once again at the 40th Reunion of the Lakes HS 70' Graduating Class. RIP John.

"Shosh"

September 24, 2015

On eagle's wings sweet Steve....when Raven shows up I will know you are nearby.Thank you for being uniquely, wonderfully you and for being the best big brother a woman could ask for.I love you always, forever.

Robin Braislin

September 24, 2015

I loved you Steve from the first moment we met. You and Susan and Scotty, Jack and Jean were my extended family and I feel so sad with the void you leave in all our lives.
The memories of the Velveteen Rabbit, The Little Prince , my first ride on your motorcycle and sitting just talking are some of the sweetest memories of you.
You are home now my dear friend and I will miss you.
To Susan, Scott, Marc, Jen and all the Babbit's you are in my heart with love and prayer.

Bev (Jetland) Dorough

September 23, 2015

To Susan and Scott, my deepest sympathies on your loss of such a great brother. Though Steve & I lost touch over the years, he was a special part of my life and heart, and definitely enriched it. His smile & twinkle in his eyes always lit up a room. I'm happy to read that he was blessed with a relationship with a little girl. I know he'll watch over her. The world was a better place with Steve in it, but now Heaven is better as well.

Shannon Kirby

September 23, 2015

I met Steve in Jr High and enjoyed our relationship through out High School, he truly was a great friend with a gentle spirit. We reconnected 15 years ago, and enjoyed our conversations about life and what journey we were all on. I am honored to be a friend and brother in Christ. Rest in Peace my friend.

Always a smile!!!

Michael Motko

September 23, 2015

Wow, where do I begin? When I first came to Lakes it was Steve who came up to me and made me feel like I had been in Lakewood my entire life. He was and is just that kind of great guy. All throughout High School and then for the 45 years after we remained close even when we were thousand miles apart. Steve was part of what I have always said was a very special group of guys that formed the backbone on the Lakes Wrestling Team. This group of guys were together from the first day we showed up to the day we graduated. The bond we share has really never been broken. There were so many times that we all hung out together on the lake and I felt so much a part of his family every time I was over. I owe so much of who I am to the friendship we shared. I can only add to so many of his friends and family...Steve we miss you...bro. God speed and watch over all of us. To Scott, Susan and all the extend Babbit family and friends may you know you are all in our prayers and may the peace of God be with you.

Kathy Pokorny

September 23, 2015

I knew this gentle man all through HS@Lakes. He lit up a room when he walked into it. He made you feel important as his friend. How sad his passing has taken him from his daughter. But thank you God for the glory of eternal life.

Vicki Atchison Turner

September 23, 2015

Steve Babbit was a real GEM and we as the Lakes High School Class of 1970 and me personally will truly miss him. He was so much to many of us and excelled in high school as a wrestler, football player, a member of National Honor Society, DECA President and a member of our student government. Three years ago Steve confided in me that he had never found his one true love. I now see that his true love was not how I imagined it in a life partner, but rather in a little girl named Chiarra. What a special and beautiful bond he shared with him and he said his life was complete. I know that even though Steve is no longer with us in body, he is definitely with us in spirit and will be looking down on that little girl for the remainder of her life. Thank you for touching our lives Steve and for allowing us to be part of your AMAZING LIFE! May you rest in peace my friend.

September 23, 2015

All I remember about Steve was he was such a genuine sweet kind guy. One of the best. Christine Kinsey

September 23, 2015

My sympathy to all of John's family and loved ones.

Becky Killebrew
(Fellow Lakes High graduate)

Linh Bashaw

September 23, 2015

To Steve's family and friends, I am very sorry for your loss. May you find peace in all the memories that you have with him.

I often saw Steve and Chiarra together at the swimming pool and at her school. I could see how much he loved her. I know he will continue to be her guardian angel.

Rest in peace, Steve.

Linh Bashaw

Dennis Lloyd

September 23, 2015

Love you brother.

Greg Ellis

September 23, 2015

Steve was many things to many people but to me he was my oldest friend. Emphasis on friend'. We have known each other since we were in kindergarten.
Steve was always funny, always the teacher and always my friend. He described our friendship as we have nothing in common except we like each other'. And we liked each other as brothers for 58 years.
He has always been a part of who I am and I will continue to carry him within me.

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