Douglas Kennedy Babbit's Obituary
Douglas Babbit has passed away at the age of 89. Born of Alexander and Ruth Babbit, Doug spent his childhood in Lakewood, Washington with his two brothers, Jack (John) and George. Doug was athletic, playing football, swimming, and skiing in his youth. Like his mother, he exhibited artistic talent and translated that into a career in architecture, graduating from the University of Washington in 1956 and eventually establishing his own firm in Tacoma.
Upon graduation, he returned home where he met his first wife, Dorothy Hellyer. They had four children, Alexander (Alec), David, Victoria (Tory), and Graham. During his early adulthood, Doug developed a keen interest in sailing and participated in races with the Tacoma Yacht Club as well as buying a boat which served as the vessel for the family adventures in the Puget Sound and beyond.
After the dissolution of his first marriage, Doug met and fell in love with his second wife, Janet Babbit. Doug and Janet shared a passion for art, enjoyed playing golf, and traveling. They were members of the Tacoma Lawn and Golf Club, playing golf, socialising, and celebrating significant occasions there. In the early nineties, they discovered another passion, raising and showing short-haired wheaten terriers. They had three terriers, ET, Rosie, and Annie who they loved like family members.
In the later part of his life, Doug became a caretaker to Janet. To the end Doug exhibited his characteristic humour and charismatic personality. He is survived by his sons Alec (and his wife Jill) of Bellingham Washington and Graham (and his wife Heidi) of Bremerton Washington, his daughter Tory (and her partner Magnus Dahlquist) of Stockholm Sweden, his grandchildren Nicolas Babbit, Mary Babbit, Isabella (Bella) Babbit, his stepsons Bryan Haelsig (and his wife Patti) and Robert Haelsig, and their children Julia, Laura, Karl, and Hayden.
Funeral arrangements for Douglas Kennedy Babbit have been faithfully entrusted to Mountain View Funeral Home, which is located at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA, 98499, and can be reached at (253) 584-0252.
What’s your fondest memory of Douglas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Douglas?
Share a story where Douglas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Douglas you’ll never forget.
How did Douglas make you smile?