Richard W. Babcock, 79
HANCOCK, Mass. — Richard Warren Babcock, 79, a former longtime resident of Hancock, died Friday, May 16, 2014, at Williamstown Commons.
Mr. Babcock was a nationally known expert on vintage barns and barn-building and wrote several books on their construction and history. He was featured in numerous publications for his preservation efforts in moving and restoring old barns for reuse and operated the Babcock Barn Museum.
"I'm an evangelist, truth to tell," he told Time Magazine in 2005. "Some men are called to save souls. I was called to save barns."
Born in Schenectady, N.Y., on July 31, 1934, son of Clayton C. and Alice Haley Babcock, he attended the former Williamstown High School.
A Marine veteran of the Korean War, he served from Oct. 9, 1952, until his honorable discharge on Oct. 8, 1955.
Mr. Babcock was a master barn-builder and was self-employed for his entire life.
He was a communicant of the former St. Raphael's Church in Williamstown. He was a member of the American Legion Post 152 of Williamstown and served as grand master, among other positions, of the Williams Lodge of Masons. He was an avid historian.
He leaves five daughters, Hannah Pallos and her husband, Dino, of Lanesborough, twins Susan Coleman and her husband, Michael, of County Mayo, Ireland and Alice Lynch and her husband, Robert, of the state of Florida, and Charlene Leonard and her husband, John, and Margaret Goss and her husband, Timothy, all of Hancock; five sons, David Babcock and his wife, Terrie, of Lee, Charles Babcock and his wife, Marie, of Ohio, Clayton Babcock and his wife, Michelle, of Cheshire, George Babcock and his wife, Nancy, of Lanesborough and Ronald Babcock and his wife, Justine, of West Stephentown, N.Y.; two brothers, Robert West of Pittstown, N.Y., and Frederick West of Chicago, more than 30 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
His sisters Margaret Torrey, Isabelle Peterson, Edith Haley and Ruth West are deceased.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mr. Babcock will be celebrated Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at 10 from at St. Patrick's Church in Williamstown. Burial will follow in Westlawn Cemetery.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, May 20, from 4 to 7 Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home Funeral Homes, West Chapels, 521 West Main St. North Adams. Memorial contributions may be made to HospiceCare of the Berkshires in care of the funeral home.