June 1, 1950 - May 31, 2020
It is with profound sadness and an irreparable sense of loss that we announce the death of Norman Joseph Babin on May 31st, 2020, in Campbell River, BC. He is survived by his wife Christine, daughters Rachel (Morgan) and Taryn, his grandsons Finley, Brody and Beckett, his sisters Jacqueline Beckingham (Allan) and Doreen Hayes, and nieces and nephews Christopher, Jennifer, Jason, Jacob and Karen.
Norm was born on June 1, 1950 in Saint John, New Brunswick to Acadian parents (predeceased) Delore (Roy) and Edmond (Edgar) Babin. After graduation, amid his love for music and occasional Blues gigs, Norm earned his Industrial Instrumentation Trade Certificate and began a career that spanned a lifetime and country, from New Brunswick, to Yukon, Alberta, and finally, Campbell River, B.C., where he met his forever-love, Christine. Her children, Rachel and Taryn, would become his, too, as would their children, his grandsons, whom he taught to ride bikes, build Lego, and live life honestly, rightly, and with hearts of kindness and love. Norm volunteered for 20 years with Campbell River Search and Rescue, travelled the world extensively, and fell in love with sailing, kayaking, and cycling. In retirement, he cycled across Canada, and enjoyed many other international and Canadian cycling trips either with Christine or his cycling buddies Norbert, John, Ted and Doug. Through these trips, he became an avid environmentalist, tirelessly advocating for more sustainable cities and forms of travel, better bike routes, and electric cars.
Norm leaves a vivid legacy about how to live: be kind, laugh often, give freely. A Celebration of Life will be held later in the summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Campbell River Search & Rescue or BC Cancer Foundation would be appreciated.