Charles Richard 'Chuck' Babb, 56

Charles Richard “Chuck” Babb died at his home unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013. He was born in San Mateo, Calif., on Aug. 22, 1956, and was 56 years old.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, William C. and Dorothy B. Babb. He is survived by his sister, Ann Adair; her husband, Pat of Coeur d’Alene; brother Bill and his wife Marva from Cary, N.C., and their daughter MacKenzie Babb who lives in Washington, D.C.

Chuck served in the U.S. Air Force, where he received the Air Force Commendation Medal, and was Honorably Discharged in 1982.

He was an avid lover of trees, plants and flowers. He could tell you the botanical name of every single plant around you. He started out in junior college in California, majoring in Horticulture, and worked for a local nursery.

He went on to receive a B.S. degree in Natural Resource Management from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Calif., in 1987, where he was also on the Dean’s List in the School of Agriculture. He planted a Christmas tree farm on campus as part of his senior project.

He moved to Kootenai County in the late 1980s where he then became a Certified Arborist. He worked for Avista Corporation as a supervisor of line crews.

His sense of humor was truly infectious. He could turn anything funny, and had a loud, boisterous laugh. He was never without his beloved dog, Sue. Where Chuck was, Sue was. We all loved him very much and will miss him dearly, but we know he has gone to be with the Lord.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2013, at the Fort Sherman Chapel at North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene. Turn left onto Hubbard from Garden Avenue. Reception to follow.

If you wish, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you make a donation to the veteran’s organization of your choice.