Franklin Lewis Babb

Franklin Lewis Babb, born in Saint John, New Brunswick, April 23, 1946, died at sunrise, June 26, 2026, after a short but hard fought battle with a glioblastoma. He was the son of the late Samuel Alexander Babb and Lillian Franklin Babb White.

A graduate of Saint Thomas University and UNB Fredericton, Frank taught junior high in Saint John before moving to Halifax in the early eighties. Frank was a huge supporter of local musicians and he followed their careers with enthusiasm, forging friendships with many that lasted a lifetime. Frank's music knowledge was legendary, as was his incredible memory for baseball stats and players. He was a Yankees fan much to the chagrin of his wife and late father-in-law. Frank was described by some as a comic genius and we would have to agree. People have approached him at the supermarket or out walking the dog to tell him a joke or something funny he had said to them decades before. He really was THAT funny, and knew it was all about timing. His delivery was classic. After waking from brain surgery in May, the Neurosurgeon asked Franklin if he was comfortable. Without missing a beat, and with a shrug of his shoulders, he replied "I make a living". He was strong physically and intellectually, and he loved deeply.

Franklin never met a dog he didn't adore, and he stopped and spoke to every single one of them. And then he would greet their people. He was a constant in our beautiful Harbourview community, happily ambling along with the dogs on sunny days and begrudgingly during torrential downpours. He thoroughly enjoyed chats with neighbours about everything from sports to music to the worries of the world, and always had funny faces and sounds for the littles in our neighbourhood. He was just a terrific guy.

Franklin was a proud Jew and a Zionist. He never faltered in his beliefs.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife who will miss him forever, Theresa (Martin) Babb, his son Casey of whom he was endlessly proud, his daughter-in-law, Ashley Babb, with whom he shared a very special bond, and his favourite people on planet earth, his grandchildren Avram and Eliana. He was such a proud and loving and silly and happy Zaideh whose love knew no bounds. He is also survived by his Saint John cousins Beverley Franklin, and Neil Franklin (Darlene), and his Halifax cousins Martin Herschorn and Nancy Cieplinski. Franklin was preceded in death by his cherished step-daughter, Laura Martin, and his cousin Roger Franklin. Our dogs Tilley, Benny, and Pippy will be there to greet him when he arrives, while little Archie, our most recent rescue, will stay here on earth for now to "take care of Mummy".

Franklin had the very good fortune of a soft landing at Hospice Halifax where both he and Theresa were cared for with compassion, kindness, and love for the last two weeks of his most amazing life. The family thanks Drs. Brenna vanTol, Paula Rittenberg, and Paul McIntyre for their tireless, empathetic oversight of Franklin's final days. In addition, we offer our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the nursing staff including Bri, Karlee, Kerry, Mel, Laura, Selma, Kayla, Sam, and Kaitlynn. Kaitlin, the Social Worker at Hospice, and Kristi, music therapist, were instrumental (pun intended) in keeping Theresa calm in times of extreme stress, and soothing Franklin in so doing. And Gary who provided delicious nutritious meals and a kind word with every visit. They are all angels who walk among us, and they will never be forgotten. Theresa and Casey would also like to extend our thanks to Dr. Joshua Goodwin, Geriatrician, for his compassion, care, and understanding.

A burial service will take place Sunday, June 28, 2026, at one o'clock p.m. at Beth Israel Cemetery, 3700 Windsor Street, in Halifax. A gathering to celebrate and give thanks for Franklin's life will take place at a future date.

If you are so inclined to make a donation in Franklin's memory, the family would appreciate it if you would consider Hospice Halifax (www.hospicehalifax.ca) or Brain Cancer Canada (www.braincancercanada.ca).

Our hearts are broken. We will miss you and love you forever, Abba/Zaideh/Dad/Sweetheart.