Lee Babb, Jr Obituary (1924 - 2011)

South China - Lee Babb Jr. passed away on June 19, 2011 from complications due to Parkinson's disease at the Maine Veteran's home where he had been cared for the past year. He was 86. Lee was born August 8, 1924 in Berlin New Hampshire and graduated from Gardiner high school in 1942. In 1943, he married his childhood sweetheart Phyllis E. Parker. That same year, he joined the U.S. Navy .He served his country during World War II and was stationed in Midway, Guan and Pearl Harbor. During his service in the Navy, he was stationed aboard 'The Spade Fish', which is considered as one of the most successful submarines in WWI. The 'Spade Fish' once spent 24 hours amidst one of Japan's most deadly mine fields.Upon returning home, he had several jobs as a truck driver and also at Sears. He eventually began working at the Kennebec Journal in advertising where he was soon promoted to advertising manager. He worked for them for 31 years .He and his wife, Phyllis were instrumental in starting one of the first schools for the mentally retarded in Hallowell, Me. Lee's youngest child, Judy was born mentally retarded. Following his retirement from the Kennebec Journal he then moved to the Moosehead region where he eagerly accepted a job with Kennebec water company operating the East Outlet dam .An avid fly fisherman, it was a dream job for a retiree and he cherished every minute. They spent nine years there and during that time he lobbied to make the Kennebec River from East Outlet to Indian Pond,' Fly Fishing only'. That law remains in effect to this day. He shared many special times there with his beloved grandson, Thad.He later worked with his daughter Rita, and in son-in-law Tom on their dairy farms. When they sold the farms and purchased stores in China, he worked there as well.He was a man of many talents and could fix or build anything. He loved the outdoors and had a real passion for fishing especially fly-fishing. He was skilled at tying his own flies and enjoyed perfecting his skills with his grandson, Thad. He spent many hours teaching his craft with his trademark patience and unconditional love.He's predeceased by his beloved and admired mother Lucy Riff Babb, and brothers Everett Babb &Bud Babb, wife of 60 years, Phyllis and daughter Judy. He is survived by his daughter Rita Barber and her husband Tom Barber of South China, his grandson Thad Barber, and his wife Darlene and four adoring great grandchildren: Sydney, Nick, Julia and Tyler. He also leaves behind several nieces; Carol Allen of Monmouth, Bette Pucci of Fl, Sandy Bushnell of MN, Kathy Parker of Gorham, Maine, Donna White of J, Carolyn Adams of Scarborough and Peggy Lee Diamond of Tenn. also three nephews: Danny Parker of TX, Peter Parker of Tenn, and Ronnie Babb of SC.He was a kind, loving and easy-going man and was very special to his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and especially by his daughter Rita and by his only grandson, Thad. He was a very devoted and most loving Dad to Rita and was always there for every step of the way in both his daughters' lives, no matter what, always with undying love. He was a hero in so many special ways to them. No one could ask for anything more from a Dad, the best Daddy ever.His relationship with Thad was truly a once-in-a-lifetime special bond. Thad affectionately called him 'Gaga'. That name stuck and all his grandson's friends and families, called him that. He was always up for anything especially if it involved his family. He immediately became your favorite within minutes of meeting him. Services with full Military Honors will be held at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel Civic Center Drive Augusta on Tuesday, June 28 at 2 PM followed by the burial. There'll also be a celebration of his life at the Calumet Club at 334 West River Road Augusta, Me.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to: Maine Parkinson Society 5 Bucknam Road Suite 1A Falmouth, ME 04105 Condolences can be made online@staplesfuneralhome.com and under the KJ obit on line For additional info, call Victor at Staples Funeral Home 582-3102