Bernard (Ben) Joseph Babka Jr. died on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the age of 80. He was an only child born to Elizabeth (Bessie) Sincula and Bernard Joseph Babka Sr., both now deceased, in Cicero, Ill. He attended JC Morton High School in Cicero and had a special gift with photography and attended photography school in New York City.
Ben enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during which time he received his basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. Thereafter, he was sent to school at Chanute AFB near Rantoul, Ill. Though his skill and interest was in photography, the Air Force assigned him to train as a weather technician. He was then shipped to Japan and remained at Tachikawa AFB for two years returning to Walker AFB in South Dakota for his final discharge from military service.
After his discharge Ben worked in a supervisory capacity at Harris Trust in downtown Chicago for eight years.
Ben loved the northwest and at the age of 30 bought land in Ocean Shores, Wash. He thereafter made the decision to move to the state of Washington, and worked at the National Bank of Commerce (renamed Rainier National Bank and again renamed Security Pacific Bank) leaving after 20 years’ service. He dabbled in various interests until deciding to work with the Northwest Kidney Foundation for eight years before finally retiring.
Ben had a home in Upper Rainier Beach, Seattle until, in 2001, he fulfilled his dream of living in Ocean Shores and bought a home on Duck Lake where he spent his final years.
Ben enjoyed the outdoors and was quite active. He belonged to a Van Club traveling throughout the United States and Canada. He loved skiing, hiking (Seattle Mountaineers), camping, boating, kayaking and body strengthening for his overall health.
A fun guy, a kind man and a good friend he will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Donations in Ben’s memory may be made to your favorite charity.
An informal memorial service will be held at a later date, and if there is interest in attending, please continue to view the Harrison Family Mortuary site (www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com ) for specific details to be posted.
