William (Bill) Babe

Bill Babe passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital on October 31, 2022 after a long period of many health-related issues and complications, including COVID-19.  

Bill was born in Fort William in 1943 to Murray and Lucy (Betty) Babe (nee Chapple). He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth (Liz) Babe (nee Hagdu), daughter Gillian Babe, son-in-law Stephane Dupuis and granddaughter Annick Babe Dupuis all of Perth, Australia, sister Jennifer Babe of Toronto and many Hagdu in-laws, nieces and nephews, and Chapple, Spence and Sprague cousins. Also survived by our great friend, Gemma Arriola and her family. 

Bill and Liz taught high school and kindergarten respectively in Scarborough as newly weds and then in Manitouwadge for 28 years, before retiring to their home on Two Island Lake, and later moving into Thunder Bay. Bill was active in Manitouwadge as the coach of many high school sports, member of the Lions Club, and he participated in community musical endeavours. He was an avid curler and an important figure and mentor in the lives of many of the students he taught and coached. In retirement he sang for the Alpini Choir and in the bass section for the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra Choir for many years. Music and the friendships he formed through it brought him great joy. 

Sincere thanks to the medical and multi-disciplinary care teams at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Care Group for Bill’s treatment, care and support over the last months.  

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, https://tbrhsc.net/, St. Joseph’s Care Group, https://sjcg.net/, or Diabetes Canada, https://crm2.diabetes.ca/.