John Babcock

On Sunday, August 8, 2021, John Thornton Babcock, beloved son, brother and uncle, passed away at 52 years old.

John was born October 27, 1968, in La Junta, Colorado to the Honorable Lewis Thornton Babcock and Judith (Proctor) Babcock.  He was raised in Rocky Ford and Boulder, attended the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and the University of Colorado, Denver (UCD), receiving his BA in Fine Arts from UCD.

John was a talented swimmer in his youth, and grew up with a passion for the arts, participating in theatre, voice, band and photography throughout his life.  He was inspired by several teachers and professors (especially Arlene Fox and Fred Stoufer), and his mother, who is a gifted painter in her own right.  John was known for his sharp intellect, unwavering opinions and quick wit.  He was particularly fond of chimpanzees, Dr. Seuss books (having memorized and monologued every line from several), cartoons, music and old movies.  John’s work career included working as a barista at St. Mark’s Coffee House, a service attendant on Amtrak and a bartender and manager at My Brother’s Bar.

John was involved in a tragic accident in 2008, which left him a quadriplegic.  He rehabilitated at Craig Hospital to face his new life challenges.  Despite his accident, John continued to pursue his love for photography, auditing various photography classes at the University of Colorado, Boulder (UCB), and maintaining a studio for several years where he could work on his avant-garde photography.

In addition to his parents, John is survived by his sister Katherine (Babcock) Stern, her husband Thomas Stern, their children, Max, Emma and Mary Kate, and his beloved cat, Lucy.

Our family would like to thank John’s home health aides, nurses, specialists, doctors, friends and family who gave advice, support and unwavering love along the way.

Memorials may be made in John's name to: Craig Hospital Foundation, 3425 S. Clarkson St., Englewood, CO 80113.

Please share memories of John and condolences with his family by signing the Tribute Wall above.