Roland J. Babin

Roland Joseph Babin, 89, peacefully passed away surrounded by family March 1, 2024 at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Caribou, ME following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Roland was born in Caribou, on April 10, 1934 to Charles and Eva (Martin) Babin.  He was the eighth of 10 children.  He attended Caribou schools and was a 1954 graduate of Caribou High School.  Following a brief stint working in Florida, he enlisted in the Army.  He was stationed in Germany where he met Sieglinde (Linde) Isolde Emmerling and swept her off her feet.  He brought her back to Maine and they married December 12, 1959.

Upon returning to Maine he started working for Solman Distributors; first as a salesman and then as sales manager.  He retired after 33 years but never sat still.  He went on to act as caretaker for a county farm while waiting for Linde to retire.

He and Linde began snow-birding to Florida where they met many new friends and he took up golf.  He enjoyed the camaraderie, outdoors and competition; especially with his brother Frank.  He also spent countless hours walking along the beach, enjoying the scenery and searching for shark teeth. 

Roland was an avid gardener and loved growing vegetables.  He had a strong work ethic and was always busy doing something.  Roland had a sense of humor that was apparent up until his last days.  He was an exceptional card player; enjoying poker, canasta, cribbage and scat.  Part of this enjoyment came from simply gathering with friends and family he cherished.

He is predeceased by his parents and all nine siblings – Mary, Wilmer, Virginia, Frank, Freeland, Phillis, Charles Jr, Donald and Almond.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Linde, his children Anthony (Donna) Babin of Connor, Chris (Felicia Faringer) Babin of Yakima, WA, Marteen (Peter Eckel) Hester, of Fort Fairfield, and Jessica (Andrew) Howard, Austin, TX; grandchildren Danielle, Adam, Chelsey, Jonathan, Aidan, Ava and Alex; great-granddaughters Alivia and Leighton; and many nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated June 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Parish of the Precious Blood Holy Rosary Catholic Church.  Following the service, all are invited to a time of continued fellowship and refreshment in the parish hall.  Interment will be at 2:00 PM at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery.  Arrangements by Mocklers Funeral Home, Caribou.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Djuanda and the entire staff at Cary Medical Center and Maine Veteran’s Home for providing excellent and compassionate care in Roland’s last several weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to Maine Veteran’s Home in Caribou, or a charity of your choice.