Obituary for William (Bill) Babcock
William Arthur Joseph Babcock - 21 May 2022
Bill entered into eternal rest suddenly but peacefully in his sleep at home in Napanee with his wife Linda at his side.
William Arthur Joseph Babcock was born on 4 August 1938 in Kingston, to Joseph Babcock and Christina (Brady) Babcock of Westport.
As a youngster, Bill attended St. Edward’s School in Westport, high school in Sydenham, and earned his high school diploma while aboard ship with the Royal Canadian Navy in Halifax after enlisting at the age of 17.
Bill spent 8 1/2 years with the Royal Canadian Navy aboard several ships, including HMCS Bonaventure, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Cape Scott, HMCS Cape Breton, and others. He served as a ship’s diver and studied the mechanic’s trade, and sailed to many areas of the world. Following his discharge from the Navy, he pursued the mechanic’s trade and was a well known and highly regarded mechanic in the Kingston area.
Bill joined the Correctional Services Canada (CSC) and became an Officer at Kingston Penitentiary and later Millhaven Institution, serving a total of 31 1/2 years. Bill was a highly regarded, well respected Officer with an impeccable service record. Bill knew that respect was earned when it was given. He treated the inmates with respect, and received the same in return. Bill could talk the toughest and most dangerous inmates out of their cells using calm communication. Bill served during some dangerous events at Kingston Penitentiary, including the infamous riot of 1971.
Bill was an avid outdoorsman who thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing and the woods. He could design, create, build and repair anything.
Following retirement, Bill and Linda enjoyed three winters in Ocala, Florida. Bill was then diagnosed with melanoma followed by lung cancer. He kept a positive outlook as he adapted to life with only one lung for over 20 years. He didn’t complain and never let on just how much he suffered in pain from day to day.
Bill thoroughly enjoyed visits with his grandkids. He was one happy Papa each time they arrived at the door over the last 15 years.
Bill is survived by Linda McKenzie, his wife of 39 years, his step son, John McKenzie of Cobourg, step daughter, Katrina Cave (Derek) of Brighton, and their children, Tyler and Owen Forster, and Linzie, Brooklyn and Ethan Cave.
Bill is also survived by his daughters, Kelly Jarvis and Suzanne Westhaver, and grandson Derek Westhaver, all of Dartmouth.
Bill is also survived by his sisters Jane, Marie, Teresa, and Marjorie, and by his brothers Jim, John, Joe and Patrick. He is predeceased by his parents and his sisters Patricia, Noreen, Betty, and Beverley, and by his brothers Alphonse and Tom.
Arrangements are entrusted with the Irvine Funeral Home and Chapel in Brockville. At Bill’s request, there will be a private service to be held at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Maitland.
If friends so desire donations in Bill's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Cancer Centre of South Eastern Ontario.
You were always loved, and always will be.
Bill entered into eternal rest suddenly but peacefully in his sleep at home in Napanee with his wife Linda at his side.
William Arthur Joseph Babcock was born on 4 August 1938 in Kingston, to Joseph Babcock and Christina (Brady) Babcock of Westport.
As a youngster, Bill attended St. Edward’s School in Westport, high school in Sydenham, and earned his high school diploma while aboard ship with the Royal Canadian Navy in Halifax after enlisting at the age of 17.
Bill spent 8 1/2 years with the Royal Canadian Navy aboard several ships, including HMCS Bonaventure, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Cape Scott, HMCS Cape Breton, and others. He served as a ship’s diver and studied the mechanic’s trade, and sailed to many areas of the world. Following his discharge from the Navy, he pursued the mechanic’s trade and was a well known and highly regarded mechanic in the Kingston area.
Bill joined the Correctional Services Canada (CSC) and became an Officer at Kingston Penitentiary and later Millhaven Institution, serving a total of 31 1/2 years. Bill was a highly regarded, well respected Officer with an impeccable service record. Bill knew that respect was earned when it was given. He treated the inmates with respect, and received the same in return. Bill could talk the toughest and most dangerous inmates out of their cells using calm communication. Bill served during some dangerous events at Kingston Penitentiary, including the infamous riot of 1971.
Bill was an avid outdoorsman who thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing and the woods. He could design, create, build and repair anything.
Following retirement, Bill and Linda enjoyed three winters in Ocala, Florida. Bill was then diagnosed with melanoma followed by lung cancer. He kept a positive outlook as he adapted to life with only one lung for over 20 years. He didn’t complain and never let on just how much he suffered in pain from day to day.
Bill thoroughly enjoyed visits with his grandkids. He was one happy Papa each time they arrived at the door over the last 15 years.
Bill is survived by Linda McKenzie, his wife of 39 years, his step son, John McKenzie of Cobourg, step daughter, Katrina Cave (Derek) of Brighton, and their children, Tyler and Owen Forster, and Linzie, Brooklyn and Ethan Cave.
Bill is also survived by his daughters, Kelly Jarvis and Suzanne Westhaver, and grandson Derek Westhaver, all of Dartmouth.
Bill is also survived by his sisters Jane, Marie, Teresa, and Marjorie, and by his brothers Jim, John, Joe and Patrick. He is predeceased by his parents and his sisters Patricia, Noreen, Betty, and Beverley, and by his brothers Alphonse and Tom.
Arrangements are entrusted with the Irvine Funeral Home and Chapel in Brockville. At Bill’s request, there will be a private service to be held at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Maitland.
If friends so desire donations in Bill's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Cancer Centre of South Eastern Ontario.
You were always loved, and always will be.