DONALD R. BABIN, CARIBOU – Donald R. Babin, 80, passed on to find eternal peace on Tuesday, December 26, 2017. Don was born in Caribou, Maine, on February 25, 1937, to Charles and Eva (Martin) Babin. Don worked on the family farm on Green Ridge in Caribou until enlisting in the US Navy in 1955. After returning from the Navy, he resided in Andover, Massachusetts, where he served on the fire department, worked for HP Hood and Sons, and did general carpentry. From his marriage to Janice Brown in 1961 came the loves of his life; Mark, Melinda, Michele, and Mia.
Donald was predeceased by brothers, Freeland Babin, Frank Babin, Charles Babin, Jr., Almond Babin; sisters, Mary Gahagan, Phyllis Corrow, and Virginia Anderson.
Don was happiest when in the kitchen cooking for a crowd, whether it be at The Country Kitchen in Presque Isle, The Silver Fox, his notorious night club in Houlton or his quaint diner, Don’s Dairy Bar, in Washburn. His own humble kitchens were always a place to gather where friends became family; on Nickerson Lake in New Limerick, in his quiet A-frame in Smyrna, along the Aroostook River in Wade, on E-Plantation in Blaine, and finally, on Windemere Lane in Unity. The clanging of dishes was accompanied by the telling of tales and as aromas filled the air there was always enough food and love to go around.
Don’s affiliations with the American Legion and Knights of Columbus speak to his faithful dedication to his country and his God.
Don is survived by brother, Roland Babin and wife, Sieglinde, of Caribou. He also leaves behind devoted son, Mark and wife, Donyse, of Unity, and beloved daughters, Melinda King and husband, Mark, of Littleton, Michele Kearney and husband, Travis, of Mars Hill, and Mia Pangburn and husband, Stephen, of Easton. His spirit lives on in each of his grandchildren, Rudi, Zachary, Jalen, Devon, Samantha, Elijah and Luke, and great-grandchildren, Emmalia, Dylan, Addalia, and little Don. Within each of them is a cook, a carpenter, a storyteller, and a gentle soul. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, as well as friends made in every corner of his journey. His faithful dog, Foxy, will miss him dearly.
A special thanks is extended to the staff at Harbor Hill in Belfast for the loving care and compassion they showed Don in his final days. A celebration of Don’s life will take place at a later date, once the ice melts and the flowers are in bloom.
Those wishing to donate in Don’s memory may send memorial contributions to Shriner’s Hospital for Children-Boston, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.
Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. Memories and condolences may be shared at ripostafh.com.
