By Mary Pierce
We in our little community are saddened to hear of the passing, at the age of 91, of “Glenwood kid” Larry Babcock. Larry, the son of Homer and Bertha Babcock, grew up here in Glenwood. He loved the music of another Glenwood kid, Buck Smith, who was known widely in the Gorge area. Buck taught him how to play the guitar and sing. Larry’s music enlivened many events over the years in Glenwood, Goldendale, and up and down the Gorge.
After graduating from Glenwood High School in 1952, Larry joined the U.S. Navy, where he spent four years on the USS Boxer during and after the Korean War. After his time in the Navy, Larry returned to Glenwood where he worked for J. Neils and St. Regis timber companies. He then served as a Klickitat County deputy sheriff for seven years, and followed that with a stint at Superior Asphalt, then, finally, the City of Goldendale Public Works Department. After retirement, he spent time doing good community service work in Goldendale, helping wherever needed and at his church, The Father’s House Fellowship.
In his life, Larry had many children, some were stepchildren, some his children from birth, but to him, they were all his beloved children. Those kids he raised were Harold and Kathy Larcome and Donald, Deborah, Kimberly, and Chad Babcock. He had too many grandchildren to mention here, but he loved them all very much.
Larry was able to travel the world in his lifetime. He touched the lives of many here in Glenwood, Goldendale, and wherever he went. He was preceded in death by his parents and children Kathy and Deborah. Memorial arrangements will be made at a later time and will be held graveside at Mt. Adams Cemetery in Glenwood.
Our deepest condolences go out to all his children and grandchildren, and so many others who knew and loved him.
We were also saddened to hear the news of the passing of lifelong Glenwood resident Fred Holly. I will share more information regarding Fred in a future column, but our sincere condolences to out to his wife Marian and his daughters and all their families.
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My husband Glenn asked me to share his recent experience at Skyline Hospital in White Salmon. After undergoing major surgery in Portland, he was transferred a week later to the skilled nursing wing at Skyline in White Salmon. He says he has received the best care with great staff who have helped him so much that he was able to come on home to Glenwood much sooner than they expected. He’s doing great back here at the farm, getting around well, and attributes much of that to the staff at Skyline. They even chipped in and delivered a beautiful floral arrangement to his room for the both of us on the day of our 58th wedding anniversary. That gesture was very moving and greatly appreciated by us both, more than we could even adequately express.
He also wants to say thank you all the friends and family who visited, called, sent cards and flowers, and passed on well wishes through me. He especially appreciates our kids, Amy and Jake, for all their help (Portland isn’t a place I like to drive at all), and our nephew Ben Parker, who came to the house and installed very sturdy grab bars and safety rails in both bathrooms. All that care and well wishes were the best medicine for his heart just when he needed it.
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While I was away, our awesome Glenwood High School photojournalism class volunteered to write the news in my place. It wasn’t included in the last news in this paper, so I’m going to share it here. It filled my heart with pride to see our students step up and I’m very proud of them all. I think I owe them some cookies. This is from the Glenwood High School photojournalism class — enjoy the read.
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This week, Glenwood High School’s photojournalism class has been given the opportunity to report the news in place of Mary Pierce. Not to worry, she will be back next week with a story or two to tell, we’re sure. There wasn’t a ton of news this week, so don’t forget to send Mary any news to share for next week.
Monday, students didn’t have any school, and they enjoyed sleeping in and working at their jobs without worrying about homework. The weather has been especially cold this weekend, which kept students, other than the brave few, inside.
On Tuesday, Klickwood boys basketball hosted Wheeler County for a home game at Glenwood School. The Klickwood JV Team won their game quite handily, which is always a joy to see. The Varsity also won their game, 81-54. Shane Spino was a definite standout, scoring 35 points. Pee-wee basketball played at half time, and as always were very entertaining to watch. The high school basketball team even stayed out to watch instead of meeting in the locker room.
There were also games on Friday night at Lyle, and Saturday night at Klickitat, and we’re sure the boys played their hearts out.
Thursday, the school hosted an art exhibition showcasing the high school and middle school art students’ best works. Family and friends attended and were able to walk around and view a range of work from sculptures to paintings, and even some “stained glass.” Kerryna Thompson especially shined with her family-focused flower painting and exceptional talent. Multiple people complimented Tylor Webster’s basketball sculpture, and Mrs. McLaughlin was heard saying it belonged in a museum. Blaine Arnold’s truck drawing study showcased his growing skills, while Jentry Hoctor’s 3-dimensional horse painting was a real creative endeavor.
Cookies were provided by Mrs. McFall and enjoyed by all. Great job Glenwood students!
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Mary Pierce writes about the community of Glenwood every other week in Columbia Gorge News. Please send any news items to gmpierce09@gmail.com.
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