John D. Babcock (1931-2013)

John Duane Babcock, a former USCF member from Fennville, Michigan, died Nov. 16, 2013 in Douglas, Michigan. He was 82. He was born Feb. 10, 1931 in Muskegon, Michigan, the son of Kenneth and Marjorie (Berry) Babcock. He served during the Korean War in France, where he became an accomplished fencer and fluent in French. Mr. Babcock was the art director for the Chicao Tribune for more than 30 years before he retired.

A lover of cars and racing, Mr. Babcock was a member of the Sports Car Club of America and drove in many of its races and rallies. Upon retiring from his work at the Chicago Tribune, he enjoyed playing chess and painting. He was a member of the South Haven Art Center, where he taught local children how to play chess and the art of painting. He joined the USCF in November 1994, when he played in his first rated event in St. Joseph, Michigan. His last rated tournament was the South Haven Swiss in May 2005, sponsored by the Kalamazoo Area Chess Club and held in Portage, Michigan.He played in a total of 54 rated events while he was a USCF member.

Mr. Babcock is survived by his wife, Ann (Comerford) Babcock; a daughter, Tracy Francis of Geneva, Illinois; a son, Kevin Babcock of Lincolnwood, Illinois; and three grandchildren, Andrew Francis, Connor Babcock and Chloe Babcock.

Obituary submitted by
George Mirijanian, Massachusetts Chess Association

John D. Babcock may you rest in peace.