J. Clarke Babcock, 92, of Kendal at Lexington, Virginia passed away peacefully on January 18, 2020.

Born in 1927 in New Rochelle, N.Y., he was the son of J. Clarke Babcock Sr. and Mary Frances Roe Babcock.

He grew up in Larchmont, N.Y., where he later met his wife, "Bunny".

After serving in the U. S. Navy he graduated from the New York Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences and New York University. He worked as a civil engineer and retired from Turner Construction Company after 35 years.

In his younger years he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and the Boy Scouts.

He enjoyed photography, woodworking, water and snow skiing, but his greatest passion was always sailing.

He was devoted to his family, a do-it-yourselfer who could do anything - from fixing a big hole in a fiberglass sailboat to remodeling houses and developing photos. When in his 60s he taught himself to sail a sailboard, and enjoyed passing his skills and knowledge onto his kids.

After retirement he and his wife moved to Columbus, N.C., for 17 years before coming to Lexington and moving to Kendal.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Viola "Bunny" Babcock and six children, Jane Babcock of Rye, N.Y., Nancy Babcock (David Walker) of Newry, Maine, Richard Babcock of Mahopac Falls, N.Y., Donald Babcock of Rutland, Vt., Linda Babcock (James Grondin) of Lexington, and John Babcock (Amy Rule) of Norwalk, Ct.; and two grandchildren, Sean Babcock of Rutland, Vt., and Kyler Walker of Newry, Maine, as well as a niece and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Roe and Tom Bentley, and his son, Donald's life partner, Ruthellen Weston.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Rockbridge Area Habitat for Humanity, Kendal at Lexington (staff appreciation fund) or Rockbridge Area Hospice. A memorial service will take place at a later date when the tide is high and the winds are favorable.

Measure twice, cut once, and sail on.