BIG Papa’s Story

Nicholas “Nick” Babcock
February 19, 1955 – April 23, 2026

Nicholas “Nick” Babcock, born February 19, 1955, in Sarnia, Ontario, passed peacefully on April 23, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, surrounded by the love of his family.

Nick was the beloved husband of Mary Jane Babcock (née Ennett), He was a proud and devoted father to Tim, Tom, and Kyle, and a deeply loved father-in-law to Paula and Melissa, who held a truly special place in his heart. Nick was a deeply loved Papa to Jamie (Cody), Drake (Jessica), Randi, Kaden (Myah), Pacie (Monroe) and Levity.

In recent years, Nick embraced his role as “Big Papa” to his great-grandchildren Ryder, Aspen, Sawyer, Jasper, and Jaxon— BIG PAPA was a title he wore with immense pride. It brought out a softer, gentler side of a man long known for his strength and toughness.

Predeceased by his father Harold, Nick is survived by his loving mother Joyce, his brother Phil, and his sister Julie, along with many deeply cherished extended family members.

Nick shared especially close and meaningful relationships with Mary Jane’s family who loved him dearly and knew him as a constant and supportive presence in their lives. He also remained closely connected to the Babcock family, taking great pride in the traditions that brought everyone together, including the cherished Boxing Day gatherings with Uncle Bruce and his beloved Late Aunt Jackie and the summer Babcock Party at Cousin Paul’s, These moments reflected how much family meant to him and the strong bonds he maintained throughout his life.

Nick was raised on the family farm in Wyoming  before moving to Sarnia to live with his grandparents while pursuing junior hockey. He remained with them until beginning the next chapter of his life with Mary Jane. A natural athlete, he excelled in sports and passed down his love of competition—and of the Toronto Maple Leafs—to his boys. Hockey, in particular, was his passion, and he played at a high level, forming friendships he would speak of often and fondly.

A true tradesman, Nick dedicated over 30 years to his career at Dow Chemical in Sarnia, where he worked as a welder, millwright, steamfitter, and operator. With pride, he would often say he “shut the lights off” when the plant closed. Even in retirement, his strong work ethic never faded, as he continued working local shutdowns with the 663 Pipefitters and the 128 Boilermakers.

Nick was known by coworkers and family alike as someone who always showed up. More than that, he took pride in doing things the right way. He was meticulous in everything he did—whether maintaining his home, caring for his vehicles, or tending to his beloved gardens. While he loved everything about Christmas and the joy it brought to his family, the summer months were his favorite, when his gardens stood as a reflection of his care, precision, and pride.

He will be fondly remembered for his familiar reminders—“Shut the lights off” and “Close that door”—often called out before you even made it inside. These simple words became part of his legacy, reflecting both his practical nature and the standards he lived by.

Nick was a strong and steady presence in his family’s life. He was firm and disciplined with his sons and grandsons, instilling in them the values of hard work and responsibility. Yet those closest to him saw his softer side, especially with his grand daughters and great-grandchildren, who softened his entire being and brought him immense joy.

Above all, Nick’s life was grounded in his deep faith and his close relationship with his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. His church family was an important part of his life. He shared a special friendship of over 40 years with Pastor Al Huggett and the late Pastor Patty Huggett, as well as Pastor John and Pat Bulloch. His faith guided him, strengthened him, and remained a cornerstone of the life he lived.

Nick will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, his quiet acts of love, and the values he passed down through generations. His legacy lives on in the family he built, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely.

Though we all believed our larger-than-life Big Papa would be here forever, his passing leaves a space that can never be filled. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice for the care and kindness shown to Nick and his loved ones in his final days.

Donations can be made to The Rock Family Church via e-transfer at therockfamilychurch@hotmail.com and St. Joseph’s hospice.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday May 2^nd

At The Rock Family Church on Michigan & Modeland in Sarnia

11pm - 12pm Visitation

12pm - 1pm Service

After service is a light luncheon to follow

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