Harold “Hal” Babington
November 11, 2024
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Hal (Harold) Babington on November 11, 2024. Left to cherish his memory are his dear partner and wife of 65 years, Marie Jeanne (M.J.), his children, Bret (Patricia), Michelle (Tom), Rick (Agnes) and nine grandchildren Ryan (Deanna), Adam, Stephanie (Ben), Jeff (Brooklyn), Colin (Taylor), Eli (Juliana), Brooke (Derek), Elyse (Nick), Adele (Blair) along with four great-grandchildren, Celeste, Declan, Marlowe and Everly. Hal is reunited with a number of family members and dear friends. Most notably, his daughter-in-law, Karen.
Dad was born December 5, 1936, in Salmon Creek, New Brunswick. He rose above a difficult childhood, meeting and eventually marrying Marie Jeanne in Windsor, Ontario in 1959. Throughout their marriage they spent time in Niagara Falls, London, Burlington and Waterdown before returning to London in recent years.
Dad was a proud and committed employee, spending many years as a manager at Ford Motor Company. Together with M.J. he was active in his church parish, and loved to golf, walk his many dogs, dance, and play cards with a dedicated group of friends nurtured in every city where they lived. In retirement, Hal blossomed into his role as a fiercely dedicated and doting grandfather. Without hesitation he would drive across the province to attend a grandchild’s sporting event, a graduation or just for a visit. When family or friends experienced trauma or challenges, dad was the first to arrive, ready to roll up his sleeves and do the work required. Dad’s legacy is that he expressed his love both in word and action. He did not hesitate to say, ‘I love you” and our lives are filled with memories of his expressions of this love.
Our family would like to express our deep appreciation to Dr. Whynot and the entire staff at Kensington Long Term Care. For the past year, our father’s needs were met with compassion and he was treated with dignity and love. In his final days and hours, there was no doubt he was surrounded by family and staff who cared for him and loved him.
As per Dad’s wishes he has been cremated and burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will take place in the Chapel at Windermere on the Mount, 1486 Richmond Street, London at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place immediately following the visitation at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Windermere.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Hal’s name can be made to Karis Disability Services, https://karis.org/get-involved/donate in memory of Hal at Talisman House. E-transfers addressed to donations@karis.org
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Yes I remember Hal, ws a good man to work with, may he rest in peace!!
Dear Babington Family, We are sorry for your loss and sending our sincere condolences. Joe Christiaans, Brenda MacGillivray, Charlotte and Ella
Dear Bret and family, so sorry to here of your loss. My sincere sympathy to you all as you mourn the loss of your dear father. Happy and whole, embraced and loved!
Dear Marie Jeanne, Bret, Michelle, & Rick Please accept my sincere condolences on Hal's passing. He was a great guy and devoted husband and dad. I have such fond memories of some crazy times spent at the house on Donegal Dr. with all of you. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
A donation has been made to Karis Disability Services.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. We reminisce of family gatherings together during those times of celebration that Hal would never miss. He was infamous for his dry sense of humour and even though we tried to retain our composure, uncontrollable laughter was inevitable. His timing was impeccable and his delivery unforgettable. Glad many of us encouraged the jokes by laughing, such memorable moments. His family was his pride and joy, and he spoke so fondly of all his children and grandchildren. So devoted, so faithful, so genuine. He will be so dearly missed by anyone who had the good fortune of crossing paths with him. Lindsay, Cathy, Amanda, James and Megan Hird
A donation has been made to Karis Disability Services. Message from the donator: With much love to you and your family, Rick as you find your way through the loss of your Father. Our deepest sympathy and support is yours. Love Jeff & Sandy, Jessica & Vito, Karianne & Vern. xo
A donation has been made to Karis Disability Services.
A big loss for your large and growing family. You have my deepest sympathy and condolences. I worked with Hal for a number of years at Ford St Thomas - in fact, he was my supervisor during my VERY early days! That was a VERY long time ago! And I learned a lot from Hal. He was certainly a "Type A" guy - never wasting a minute as he always tried to overachieve. Rest In Peace Hal!
Dear Babington Family, Our sincerest condolences on the loss of Uncle Hal. I will remember all the great times he spent with me and my brothers as we were growing up - taking us on fun outings and making every moment memorable, funny, and exciting. He had a warm heart and was a caring person. We are grateful for the time we could spend with him and extend our sympathies to you during this difficult time. With Love, Michael and Wendy
Our mother was across the hall from Hal at Kensington. I would always enjoy Hal's friendly smile and quiet demeanor. May you all cherish the wonderful memories.
Dear Bret, Patricia and the Babington Family. Extending sincere condolences during the loss of your father/father-in-law/grandfather/great grandfather Harold. May fond memories of Harold sustain you during this time of mourning . You will be in my prayers. Corrie Gicante
A donation has been made. Message from the donator: Dear Rick & Family, On behalf of all the employees at Amhil NA, we extend our sincere condolences for the loss of your father, Hal. In honour of his legacy, we have made a donation to Karis Disability Services to celebrate his life. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Warm regards, Amhil Team
Brett, Michelle, and all of your family; We are holding all of you in our prayers as you gather to remember and celebrate your Dad's life. -In Peace and Friendship; Anna and Tom McInerney.
A donation has been made to Karis Disability Services at Talisman.
Services for Harold “Hal” Babington
Visitation will be held at:
Chapel at Windermere on the Mount
1486 Richmond Street,
London, Ontario
November 16, 2024 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at:
Chapel at Windermere on the Mount
1486 Richmond Street,
London, Ontario
November 16, 2024 11:00 am
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Dear MJ, I have always had a special place in my heart for Hal, ever since I was chosen to be a flower girl at your wedding. That was a very special day for me and when I look back on those photos now, I can still remember parts of that day clearly. And it’s always made it easy for me to remember how many years you were married! Clearly you two were made for each other. Whenever I called to speak with you , I had a quick chat with Hal first. He always made a joke and made me smile. I’ll remember him as an incredibly special person who went out of his way to help others, both in his own family and with his many friends. He truly went above and beyond. The world could use more Hal Babingtons. I honestly can’t imagine the two of you without each other. I think of you both very often and I know Hal is still with you in spirit. Sending love to you, Bret, Michelle and Rick and all of the grandchildren and great grandchildren from everyone in the Davis family.
~ Christine Davis