On a late Autumn Saturday, November 27th, 1971, Ross Anthony Babcock entered the world that eagerly awaited his arrival.
The second son, born to Dolores Velasquez Babcock and John C. Babcock, he was blessed with a tuft of blonde hair, green eyes, freckles, an amazing sense compassion and empathy, and one heck of bite – usually reserved for showing his displeasure with something toward his older brother Chris.
In his far-too short 49 years on this planet, Ross made the most of every situation. Befriending those who were alone, cracking jokes to those who were sad, and generally making sure that every single person he met knew they were ok and it was time for a laugh, regardless of the situation.
During good times or bad, Ross always sought refuge in his art and music; from his drawings and sculptures, to his self-published ‘Star Wars’ comics, to his time in both the Fabens Wildcat and UTEP Bands, creativity and imagination kept the fires burning in his special soul.
His love of performance allowed him to smoothly transition from actor in a one act play, to server at one of the many restaurants he worked at, to a dad and an uncle who loved to explain Transformers or any other Sci-Fi story with vigor, voice and fun.
All those facets kept the ‘green-eyed monster’ that was Ross constantly in motion, from job to job, project to project, life to life. No one that ever met Ross will ever forget him, and that is the truest reward for a life well lived.
The last few months of his life were tough, but nothing that he could not handle with grace and – of course – comedy. Always making sure that we were at ease during his long days of chemo, tests and doctor visits.
Talks of the glorious days past and adventures had filled his days, as did the calls and texts from all his friends. Ross knew everyone was pulling for him; he felt the energy and it sustained him as long as it could.
On May 28th, Ross lost his battle with cancer. Passing peacefully into the next world, with music and love thanks to his wife Amy René.
He joins a long list of family members, who were surely waiting for him with excitement and love, just as they had on that mild November day in 1971, when he entered this world, green eyes and all.
His mother Dolores – Mums – his Grandparents Tony and Amalia, Popsie and Phyllis, his Great-Grandparents Mamonita and Pacalilis, Roscoe and Wamma surely greeted him with as much love as we sent him off with. Hopefully, even his turtle Flash was there as well.
A friend, mentor, brother, father, and husband, he is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Amy René Babcock; his children, Chantavia Celeste, Faith Morgan, Constanza Cecilia, Ashton Domani, and Ashley Carey; his brother, Chris; his extended family of tias, tios, nephews, nieces and those he called friends.
Rest well, Ross. To take a phrase from one of our favorite shows:
Stay Shiny. You are indeed a leaf on the wind, and I will watch you soar.
On Friday, June 18th there will be a celebration of Ross’ life, held at Mamacita’s Restaurant and Bar, 1580 Clint Road (at the Clint Exit) staring at 6 p.m.
