David Leveau Babson Jr. passed away on May 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 28, 1938, in Wellesley Hills, MA, he was the eldest child of David and Katherine Babson.

David graduated from Wellesley High School in 1956, followed by a post-graduate year at Hebron Academy (Class of 1957) and matriculated at Brown University (Class of 1961). He was a collegiate athlete who excelled at both hockey and lacrosse. While at Brown, he served as president of his DKE fraternity and charmed the student body as the beloved Brown Bear Mascot, a role for which he is still remembered today.

He served in the Naval Reserves and, after a career as a sales representative for Edgecomb Steel, he started his own company, MNI, as an independent manufacturers' representative for regional steel fabricators. However, it was his move to Ossipee, NH in 1975 that ignited his true calling as a New England farmer. He dedicated himself to raising oxen, milking cows, and training draft horses, which he showcased at county fairs, community hayrides, and local parades.

He leveraged his agricultural expertise by serving for over 20 years in public office, first as a NH State Representative and Chairman of NH's Agriculture Committee, and then as a multi-term Commissioner of Carroll County, overseeing the county farm, prison, and nursing home.  In addition, he was an active member of the NH Farm Bureau serving in a variety of roles including president.

David's creativity knew no bounds, as seen in his woodcarving, needlepoint, and knitting, to name just a few of his artistic pursuits. He worked hard and always gave 100% to his passions. He embodied a competitive spirit, which was evident in his sports, hobbies, work, and politics, including the frequent cribbage matches against his younger sister, Gig.

Above all else, David's greatest legacy lies in his cherished relationships with friends and family. Predeceased by his sister, Susan Babson Young, he is survived by a sister, Katherine "Gig" Babson, his children, David Babson III and his wife Megan, Kristin Babson, Amy Babson-Richter, Ossie Babson and his wife Alyson, and his seven grandchildren (Kyla, David IV, Maggie, Carrie, Hans, Jack, and Eliza).

David maintained lifelong friendships from Wellesley to Brown, from his years as a youth hockey and lacrosse coach, from the farming and political communities, and among his morning coffee companions. His larger-than-life personality and charismatic humor touched countless people who will miss him dearly.

The family is planning a celebration to commemorate "Babo's" life on August 4, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Remick Museum and Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd, Tamworth Village, NH. All his friends are invited to attend.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.org) or the Remick Museum and Farm (https://www.remickmuseum.org/members/support) are appreciated.