BABIN, MIKE
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mike Babin of Dalhousie who died suddenly Thursday at the age of 58. Born in Dalhousie he is the son of Valmont and Mabel (Wafer) Babin.
Mike lived his life in Dalhousie except for two years at Algonquin College in Ottawa. He loved his town and bragged about it wherever he went. His unstinting work on its behalf was recognized when the Town celebrated its 100th anniversary, naming 100 people who made a difference. Mike was one of them. He worked for the town in Parks and Recreation for many years, then in the water department, and finally did a short stint with the fire department. He found a home in the fire department but his time there was only shortened because he had a massive heart attack. He could no longer meet the fitness levels required, even though he still looked as big and strong as ever. He took on a new project with Belinda, buying a pharmacy in Belledune then quickly deciding to build a new commercial building for it. He planned and managed the construction project himself, mastering anything he needed that he did not already know. For the village, this was a major boost in itself, but Mike and Belinda went on to be good citizens there too, supporting the community in any way they could. Mike was the business manager of the store until his passing.
Mike played hockey right up until he aged out of Juniors at twenty. He was proud to have represented his province, along with many of his buddies, at the 1975 Canada Winter Games. He was a goalie in the John Davidson mould - nobody dared linger in his crease. He was scouted while in midget but decided against a professional career. He was an avid curler who competed with Belinda in mixed curling as long as he was able. He coached Little Rocks, and helped run the junior curling program. He was the president of the local curling rink for a number of years. He coached his children for many years through junior curling. They each represented their province at the 2007 and 2011 Canada Winter Games. One of his proudest moments was coaching Team NB at the 2012 Scott Tournament of Hearts with Jillian playing second stone.
In his later years Mike became an avid sailor. He started with a converted lobster boat, then moved from Power Squadron to sail. He loved to be on the water and was careful, conscientious, and responsible.
Mike was a kind, loving, and generous man who looked after everyone else. He was a go-to guy who knew the answer to your question or could figure it out. He was the kind of parent who took care of his own children and was unhesitatingly entrusted with the care of others, whose parents knew he would protect and guide them like his own, whether it was on road trips for games or simply looking out for them around town.
Mike knew he was running on bonus time and lived his last eleven years to the fullest, always doing for others. He died on his boat when finally his heart quit. He would be at peace with that.
Mike is survived by his loving wife Belinda (Lidstone); daughter Jillian (Aaron) of Toronto and son Scott (Victoria); step-granddaughter Annabelle; parents Valmont and Mabel; siblings Anne, Peter (Suzanne Savoy), Krista (Bruce Turner) and Steven; nieces Jessie, Isabelle and Jennifer as well as his nephew William.
His funeral will be held from St. John Bosco Church ,Dalhousie Thursday afternoon at 3 with visitation at the church from 1:30 until 2:45. Funeral arrangements are in the care of MacMillans Funeral Home, Black Point. www.macmillansfuneralhome.ca