On the morning of April 7, 2015, Tim Milford Babcock passed away peacefully of natural causes after being with his family and friends. He was born October 27, 1919 in Littlefork, Minnesota to Erwin and Olive (Rinehart) Babcock. He grew up in Crackerbox Creek in Dawson County with his brothers, Donald “Bill” and Erwin “Wayne” Babcock, and sisters, Merle and Lois. After graduating from high school he moved to California, first selling pots and pans door to door and then working for Douglas Aircraft. He then convinced his high school sweetheart, Betty Lee, to marry him in a ceremony in Las Vegas on September 21, 1941. Their love and patriotic partnership was put on hold by Betty’s passing in 2013, but are now reunited; as their great granddaughter put it, “dancing together again”.
Shortly after they were married, Tim went to war. He served in the 2nd Battalion, E Company, 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, and fought in the “Battle of the Bulge”. He captured a German Officer and was awarded a Bronze star for heroism at the Remagen Bridge. After the war he returned to begin Babcock and Lee Trucking Company, had his second daughter, Marla, learned to fly and met many Montanans. He then went to work for Montana! Tim proudly served Montana as a State Representative, Lt. Governor, Governor, and representative of Montana at every GOP National convention until 2012. He was a member of many service organizations, including The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Freemasons, Eagles, Elks, Rotary and Pachyderms. He was a mentor and inspired several young people to join the political arena.
Tim also inspired and supported his family. He led by example and stood behind them all in their individual endeavors. He embraced his family lovingly and unconditionally. He took them on many grand adventures and showed them how to work hard and appreciate what they had. He was a wonderful listener and a great question asker. His presence at the head of the table was cherished and will be missed.
Governor Babcock is survived by his sister Lois Halsey (Neil), brother Wayne (Vonnie), daughter Lorna Kuney (Bill), grandchildren Lee Ann Ruud (Monte), Tim Kuney (Tina), Ralph Kuney, Phoebe Winchester (Johnny), Mathew Fillinger and great-grandchildren Kate, Lizzy and Jon Ruud, Jack and Anna Kuney, Connor and Nevan Olson, Trace and Marlee Williams, Decklan Winchester, Cody, Dylan and Noemi Fillinger.
Whether remembered as Governor, Friend, Brother, Uncle, Dad, or Grandpa his dedication, beliefs, determination and love will be cherished.
Governor Babcock will be Lying in State on Friday, April 10, 2015 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Montana State Capitol Rotunda. A visitation will follow at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Helena First Assembly of God Church, 2210 Dodge Ave., with burial with Military Honors to follow the service at Forestvale Cemetery.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Gov. Babcock.
Service Schedule
Lying In State
7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday April 10, 2015
Montana State Capitol Rotunda
1301 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday April 10, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 11, 2015
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the Funeral
Saturday April 11, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Lying In State
7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday April 10, 2015
Montana State Capitol Rotunda
1301 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday April 10, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 11, 2015
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the Funeral
Saturday April 11, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Merry Lou Casteel says
Lorna, sorry for your loss. You had him for a beautiful long time. Thinking of you, take care.
jeff sherlock says
In 1964, I was walking to the Helena Junior High; it was about minus 30 and I was too cool to wear a hat; Governor Babcock saw me, offered me a ride and drove me in his big black Cadillac all the way to school; thanks Governor, you were a good guy. Rest in Peace
Doug and Judi Nulle says
We are so sorry for your loss. Tim was a great Governor and man and he will be greatly missed. Blessings to all of you; you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
We lost a good friend today. Lorna and the entire Babcock family, you are in our prayers and on our hearts as you say farewell to one of Montana’s finest. We are better people for having had Tim and Betty Babcock influence us.
Dan and Gilda Clancy says
Dear Lorna and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your father! We will keep you in our prayers.
Bill and Ruth Jones and family says
To Lorna and Family,
We were saddened to hear of the death of your father today. Our family has many fond memories of the many acts of kindness to Elsie and family. One summer when Elsie’s family was visiting from out of state, Tim invited Elsie’s family to his place near Clancy for a barbecue. His comment was that Elsie always cooked for his family and he was going to cook for her family. Your parents were warm hearted and kind people who will always have a place in the hearts of our family. Blessings!
Bob & Lori Hamm says
Montana lost a great statesman today. May God grant him eternal rest and let a perpetual Light shine upon him. Our deepest sympathies and prayers to Lorna and all of the family. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with us.
Billie Love says
Dear Lorna and family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you. Your father and your mother were an inspiration to all of us that knew them. Tim showed such kindness, generosity and intelligence.
He will be greatly missed as your mother has been.
Gary & Joy Novota says
Dear Lorna, Bill and family – A true patriot, a man of integrity and honor, and a genuine gentleman….Montana and its people were blessed to have had Tim Babcock at the helm and to have his guidance for so many years. We all adored him and Betty as a couple, and we know they are now smiling again together – they were an amazing team who can once again rejoice with each other. Montana now says good-bye to some of its history – thank you for sharing your parents with all of us for so many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all….
Dave Rovig says
Tim was a good friend, a good man and a great Montanan. He will be missed.
Kelly Addy says
He was our Governor the first time I saw him, riding a beautiful horse in the Marias Fair Parade in Shelby, and coaxing the horse to rise up on its back legs every block or so down Main Street. Then he came to Boys’ State in 1966 and gave a man-to-man speech to a bunch of 17-year olds, telling us, ‘Don’t let George do it. You are the one who needs to be involved.’ Then he was a good friend of Jerry Anderson, the senior partner of the firm that hired me when I returned from the Army in 1979. He was a decent, honest man who spoke to everyone as an equal. Then he was the oldest former Governor at an Old Timers’ dinner I went to with retired legislators, suggesting that Cal Winslow, the Republican State Chair and I (Democratic State Chair) trade jobs for a month so we could see things a new way. Then he and Betty were the guests of honor at the 2012 Governors Prayer Breakfast in Billings where he was so pleased I had come up to say hello and Betty remembered my mother from Montana Historical Society activities.
But my favorite memory of him was at the old Safeway store on North Montana in Helena. I was there with my children, who were very young at the time, and we lived near the corner of Nutter and Babcock in Billings Heights. I took them over and introduced them to the very man that Babcock Boulevard was named after, right there in the flesh, and it was like they were meeting God himself. At about 3 and 8, they were speechless. He was charmed and kind and took some time to talk to them about his high regard for their father whom he had known ‘for many years now’.
He had good personal values, was loyal to his friends, sympathetic to everyone, worked hard, and knew how important love was to small children. He was Tim Babcock and that’s how I will always remember him.
Rita Tenneson says
Dear Lorna, Bill and family – I sadly read about Tim’s passing. He was a wonderful and fun person. I loved visiting with him and Betty many times – always a smile. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. As he and Betty smile down on you, may it bring you comfort to know they are together again wrapped in heavenly arms. Much love and many hugs. Rita Tenneson
Linda Johnson says
Deepest deepest sympathy to the Babcock Family. Our prayers are with you and your family. Linda Johnson & Mick Seaton
MaryGayle & Ward Shanahan says
DeAR lORNA AND FAMILY, WE DEEPLY REGRET THAT WE CANNOT BE HERE FOR TIM’S FUNERAL. HE HAS BEEN OUR GOOD FRIEND FOR MANY YEARS AND BOTH HE AND BETTY WERE ALWAYS AMONG OUR FAVORITE PEOPLE. WE BELIEVE THAT WE’VE KNOWN BOTH OF THEM FOR 50 YEARS OR MORE. TIM WAS A MAN OF GREAT INTEGRITY AND IT HAAS BEEN AN HONOR AND PLEASURE TO KNOW HIM AND VISIT WITH HIM ALL THESE YEARS. OUR KINDEST REGARDS TO YOU AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY! MARY GAYLE AND WARD SHANAHAN – HELENA
Alice Klundt says
Dear Lorna, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was very special to you and your family, and of course to our entire state. I remember you telling me how your mom and dad took you in when you needed support, and it was in the Governor’s Mansion. I know you have so many precious memories Your dad lived a wonderful full life and now he can rest in peace with all the angels.
Jill (Brown) Harmon says
Our family would like to pass along our deepest sympathy for your loss. My grandfather, Paul M. Johnson, worked with Gov. Babcock and served as Chief Highway Engineer in the 60’s, under your father. He always had the highest regard for your father and spoke of him often. We never had the personal privilege of meeting your father, but if all we have heard is any indication of the person he was, we know you have a large hole in your family now. We continue to be grateful for such wonderful people that have and still serve our state with such passion. All of our love. May he enjoy his rest and reunited time with his loved ones!