Father Babb died today.

Unless you're from his congregation at Trinity Episcopal Church in Longview, or from one of his other congregations in Colorado, this probably doesn't mean much to you. But to those of us who knew him, the world is now the less for his loss. I don't think I've ever met a more genuine or caring person. Warm and always willing to listen, he encouraged thought and contemplation with his words (both in sermon and daily life) and set a marvelous example. I still can't believe he's gone - it doesn't seem right, or fair. If I can be just one-tenth the person he was, and encourage just a fraction of the number of people whose lives he touched, I will consider my life to have been worthwhile.

A few words from Mom:
KKWELGE: YES..you had a chance to meet a true man of faith
KKWELGE: he touched a lot of lives whereever he lived

KKWELGE: yes...I remember in a card to you at graduation, he something to the effect of seeing God however you choose to see him
KKWELGE: do you remember? a very insightful man
KKWELGE: certainly not like a lot of the other preachers around here
Flutekw: yes, I certainly do. he was one of the most genuine people of faith I've ever met.
KKWELGE: I agree. You could see it in his eyes...he was one of the most nonjudgmental people I've ever known....he truly loved everyone

And a prayer Dad found that sounds a lot like Father Babb's benedictions:
Prayer-Alcuin of York (8th Century)
Eternal light, shine in our hearts,
Eternal goodness, deliver us from evil
Eternal power, be our support,
Eternal wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance,
Eternal pity, have mercy on us,
That with all our heart and mind and soul and strength we may seek thy face;
And be brought by thine infinite mercy to thy holy presence. Amen.

Father Babb, we'll miss you... go with God.