It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Linda Babkirk on February 12, 2020.

Linda was born in Berwyn, Alberta on November 24, 1943. In 1962, she married Bill Babkirk, who preceded her in death in 2013 after nearly 51 years of marriage.

Linda and Bill moved overseas shortly after they were married, and would spend the next 17 years living all over the world, including Malta, Dubai, Norway, Holland, England and Scotland. In many of these countries, Linda was alone with her three children while Bill worked on the rigs a month at a time. For a small town girl who had never been out of Alberta, Linda proved to be both adventurous and fearless in taking on the challenge of raising her family in these foreign countries without even speaking the languages.

In 1979, Linda and Bill brought the family home to Canada and settled in Calgary. During that time, Linda truly enjoyed working at Woodward’s at Market Mall and made many good friends there. Her and Bill were both avid Calgary Flames fans and held season’s tickets from the time the Flames came to town. In 1992, they moved to an acreage to pursue their hobby of raising horses. She especially enjoyed welcoming the new foals each spring. Linda was truly passionate about all animals and took care of all strays that wandered on to their property. Linda loved to laugh and enjoyed a good visit; she would often smile and say “I never met a stranger”. Her greatest joy came from her family and she was so proud of her children and grandchildren. She was the true Matriarch of the family.

Linda is survived by her daughter Lana and grandson Joshua; daughter Janna and granddaughter Lillian; son Wayne and daughter-in-law Trish and grandchildren Rachel and Steven; brother Donald and many other family members and close friends. Linda was predeceased by her husband Bill, her mother Marie, her father Marvin and her brothers Stanley, David and Doug.

At Linda’s request, there will not be a formal funeral service. A private family memorial will be held instead. Donations in memory of Linda may be made to the Whisker Rescue Society of Alberta.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

By Mary Elizabeth Frye

Arrangements in care of:

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer),

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER.

• Date : 2020-02-19
• Location : www.ParklandFuneralHome.com