John Vincent Babbitt
July 11, 1936 – Aug. 12, 2017

A private family ceremony was held for John Babbitt who passed away peacefully at his Watsonville, Calif., home this past week.

He had recently celebrated his 81st birthday with his family and friends.

John was born in San Francisco, and for more than 30 years, worked as an electrical engineer, retiring with Edward Enterprises in Newark, Calif.

He served his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, and will be remembered as a loving father, devoted friend and lover of animals.

Upon moving to Clearlake in 2000, he enjoyed hiking, kayaking, playing chess and walking with his dog, “Nick.”

John moved to the Watsonville area last year and immediately began to make friends at Valley Heights Senior Community, where he played bridge and enjoyed a hearty breakfast every morning with his usual buddies who agreed that the day should begin with a big breakfast.

He was a sports fanatic and many memories will continue to be shared of his fondness for smoking his pipe (even though it was not allowed there).

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Rob Laatsch of Aromas, Calif.; his son and daughter-in-law, Victor and Carol Babbitt of Danville, Calif.; his sister, Diane Flournoy of Reno, Nev.; and his beloved grandchildren, Katie and Claire Laatsch, and Hayley Babbitt.

Any kind acts of charity can be made in his memory to a benevolent animal organization of your choice.