Robert (Bob) Babcock

With great sadness, the family announces the passing of Robert (Bob) Warren Babcock, 79, of Petitcodiac, who passed away peacefully at the Dr. Georges L. Dumont University Hospital on Sunday, May 10, 2026, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Petitcodiac to the late Claude and Bertha (Stiles) Babcock, Robert grew up on the Century Farm in Goshen alongside his two brothers, surrounded by the steady rhythm of farm life and frequent visits from family near and far. After a brief time living in Nova Scotia, he returned to graduate from Elgin School - drawn home by the girl who was the love of his life. Robert married Linda in 1970, beginning a partnership marked by devotion, hard work, and quiet joy.

Robert studied Heavy Duty Mechanics in Saint John and spent a decade with Lounsbury Industrial before embarking on a new chapter with Babcock Enterprises, taking over MacPherson & Stewart Hardware in Petitcodiac in 1979, where he became a true pillar of the community. If you needed a part, Robert could find the exact one from some hidden corner. If you had a tricky problem, he could figure out what was needed, and was always willing to help whenever someone in the community needed a capable set of hands. His tireless work ethic was evident in everything he did. The store was also home to visits with friends old and new, with many cups of coffee and sweets shared, building connections that lasted a lifetime. Robert was touched that the "coffee boys" continued their visits faithfully, right up to his final days at home.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather; a loyal friend; and a quiet, thoughtful soul. His dry sense of humor could leave you wondering whether he was joking, yet his mischievous grin and the twinkle in his eye inevitably gave him away - if he hadn’t already snuck away without you noticing. He loved classic cars and car shows, knew every back road from countless country drives, and later loved discovering a new country while spending time with family in Denmark. Home was his anchor, and he was deeply grateful for the friends and neighbours who visited regularly, mowed his lawn, or drove him to appointments - acts of kindness he never took for granted.

Robert will be lovingly remembered by his wife Linda of Petitcodiac; daughter Alicia (Henrik) Toft Hansen and grandchildren Markus, Hannah, and Justin Toft Hansen of Denmark; sister in law Beverly (late Winston) Babcock; nephew Stephen Babcock of Steeves Mountain; niece Susan (Mike) Allain and grandnephew, Brayden Allain of Dieppe; brother in law Jeff (Susan) Linkletter of Salisbury; sister in law Nancy (Kerry) Thorne of Cumberland Bay; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his son Ryan (1991); brothers Walter and Winston; parents in law Phyllis and Parker Linkletter; and brothers in law Donald (Anna) Linkletter and Larry (Susan) Linkletter.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many doctors who supported Robert throughout his battle with cancer, and to the compassionate staff of Unit 3F for their care in his final days. They are also deeply grateful to the friends, neighbours, and Extra Mural staff whose help over the past years allowed Robert to remain in his cherished home. Your kindness and concern have meant more than words can express.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Salisbury Funeral Home, 506-372-4800, from where visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14^th, 2026 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. A private family graveside will be held at the New Elgin Cemetery.

If desired, memorials to a charity of choice would be appreciated.

Online condolences at www.keirsteads.ca