1928
Bill
2008
Bill Babeckos
May 20, 1928 — October 24, 2008
Bill Babeckos was born to Sam and Emma in 1928. His family along with his younger sister Mari grew up in Portland. As a child Bill enjoyed spending his summers on Bainbridge Bridge Island with his Grandmother Lucinda Borquez', and his Uncle Leo Borquez in Snoqualmie, Washington. Bill's work ethic and desire to rise from childhood poverty started at a very young age. He started working in a butcher shop when he was just 13 and caring for and protecting his sister Mari followed suit. Bill went to Benson High School in Portland, Oregon and continued to work and work. Bill's desire to prosper so he could help others was a goal he had while very young, Bill bought his parents their 1st refrigerator while in High School and saved enough money before he graduated to give them the money they needed to start their own business.
Bill married his bride of 53 years, Jeannine Parsons, at 21. Together they raised three wonderful children, Marcie, Brecht, and his youngest daughter Jennifer in NW Portland. Bill's work ethic and yearning to provide for his family never seemed to dwell. His children recall him working 7 days a week, but leaving early enough every Wednesday to wash his car, the front steps, and make his special hamburger patties and creamed corn for dinner.
Bill's knowledge of the boating business started from the very bottom and eventually rose to the top. Bill Began washing boats and stocking the shelves at Lee McCuddy's Columbia Marina Retail Store. His love for the water inspired him to quickly learn the trade and eventually landed him several sales positions. Bill worked for Donaldson's Marina, Pier 99, and Oregon City Marina and eventually began leasing property on Marine Drive, which he would later purchase, from John DeSilio. Bill purchased his business property in 1974 and the Babeckos Marina became a permanent location for boat sales and mooring. Bill along with his bookkeeper of 27 years, Darlene Iverson, did business, not only locally, but also regularly in Canada, Asia, and Europe.
Over his lifetime Bill became very involved in many different organizations and clubs. He was a Sea Scout for many years where he made lifetime friends who shared the same love of the water as he did. He was a member of the Downtown Portland Branch of the YMCI and eventually served on the Board of Directors. He was a part of "The Dawn Patrol" an early morning exercise group. Bill also was one of the "Gang of Six" a group of residents, landowners, and businesses who worked or resided along the river. Bill was instrumental in establishing agreements between the DSL (Department of State Land) and the river users and businesses. He was one of the founders of the Oregon Marine Trades Association in 1980. In addition Bill was a major contributor to the Sheriff's River Patrol Citizens Advisory Committee. He was a member of the Executive Officers Club in Portland, Oregon an organization that exists to make a positive contribution to personal and professional business development. Bill also was a member of the Portland Yacht Club and Columbia River Yacht Club. He also became very involved in countless political organizations, including the Watchdog for Oregon Politics. However, his most recent involvement was with the American Business Women Association, where he served as 1 of the 4 men in the local chapter of 40 members. Bill's involvement in these organizations echoed his passion for politics, business, and social networking.
Although, those who new Bill closely new about his kind and generous ways and his passion for pets. Bill enjoyed his free time by walking his dog regularly and chatting with his fellow dog lovers at Wilshire Park in NE Portland. Bill also took it upon himself to build Poop Bag Holders, where people could donate their used bags, to provide pet owners a means to pick up their dog poop. Bill was also an avid reader; determined to be informed about local and global businesses and politics. Bill was a great father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and great-uncle his concern for his families' well being will live on forever.
Bill's children remember his drive for success, his endless lists and his ability to delegate and dictate tasks. Our hope is family and friends will remember him by the words of those who new him best…
"As far as brothers go, he was the most caring," – Mari McCauly.
"A person always remembered for his advice, wisdom and generosity," – Stuart McCauly, Susan Callagy, and Kathleen Anast.
"Bill loved to help and if it weren't for Bill, I would be homeless," – Del Stevens.
"A kind and Generous person with many friends," – Wayne Ray.
"Bill was always a smiling optimist, patient business partner, advisor, and friend. We will miss the twinkle in eyes," – Howard Dietrich.
"Let's Go Get 'Em!" – Kassy Babeckos.
It is apparent Bill's memorial will be a Living Memorial, a memorial carried out by those he loved and touched. He will be missed, deeply. "Good Night, Bill!"
Bill married his bride of 53 years, Jeannine Parsons, at 21. Together they raised three wonderful children, Marcie, Brecht, and his youngest daughter Jennifer in NW Portland. Bill's work ethic and yearning to provide for his family never seemed to dwell. His children recall him working 7 days a week, but leaving early enough every Wednesday to wash his car, the front steps, and make his special hamburger patties and creamed corn for dinner.
Bill's knowledge of the boating business started from the very bottom and eventually rose to the top. Bill Began washing boats and stocking the shelves at Lee McCuddy's Columbia Marina Retail Store. His love for the water inspired him to quickly learn the trade and eventually landed him several sales positions. Bill worked for Donaldson's Marina, Pier 99, and Oregon City Marina and eventually began leasing property on Marine Drive, which he would later purchase, from John DeSilio. Bill purchased his business property in 1974 and the Babeckos Marina became a permanent location for boat sales and mooring. Bill along with his bookkeeper of 27 years, Darlene Iverson, did business, not only locally, but also regularly in Canada, Asia, and Europe.
Over his lifetime Bill became very involved in many different organizations and clubs. He was a Sea Scout for many years where he made lifetime friends who shared the same love of the water as he did. He was a member of the Downtown Portland Branch of the YMCI and eventually served on the Board of Directors. He was a part of "The Dawn Patrol" an early morning exercise group. Bill also was one of the "Gang of Six" a group of residents, landowners, and businesses who worked or resided along the river. Bill was instrumental in establishing agreements between the DSL (Department of State Land) and the river users and businesses. He was one of the founders of the Oregon Marine Trades Association in 1980. In addition Bill was a major contributor to the Sheriff's River Patrol Citizens Advisory Committee. He was a member of the Executive Officers Club in Portland, Oregon an organization that exists to make a positive contribution to personal and professional business development. Bill also was a member of the Portland Yacht Club and Columbia River Yacht Club. He also became very involved in countless political organizations, including the Watchdog for Oregon Politics. However, his most recent involvement was with the American Business Women Association, where he served as 1 of the 4 men in the local chapter of 40 members. Bill's involvement in these organizations echoed his passion for politics, business, and social networking.
Although, those who new Bill closely new about his kind and generous ways and his passion for pets. Bill enjoyed his free time by walking his dog regularly and chatting with his fellow dog lovers at Wilshire Park in NE Portland. Bill also took it upon himself to build Poop Bag Holders, where people could donate their used bags, to provide pet owners a means to pick up their dog poop. Bill was also an avid reader; determined to be informed about local and global businesses and politics. Bill was a great father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and great-uncle his concern for his families' well being will live on forever.
Bill's children remember his drive for success, his endless lists and his ability to delegate and dictate tasks. Our hope is family and friends will remember him by the words of those who new him best…
"As far as brothers go, he was the most caring," – Mari McCauly.
"A person always remembered for his advice, wisdom and generosity," – Stuart McCauly, Susan Callagy, and Kathleen Anast.
"Bill loved to help and if it weren't for Bill, I would be homeless," – Del Stevens.
"A kind and Generous person with many friends," – Wayne Ray.
"Bill was always a smiling optimist, patient business partner, advisor, and friend. We will miss the twinkle in eyes," – Howard Dietrich.
"Let's Go Get 'Em!" – Kassy Babeckos.
It is apparent Bill's memorial will be a Living Memorial, a memorial carried out by those he loved and touched. He will be missed, deeply. "Good Night, Bill!"
Memorial Service
Portland Yacht Club
1241 Northeast Marine Drive
Portland
,
OR
US
97211
Thursday, October 30, 2008, 11:00 AM
Cemetery
Rose City Cemetery
5625 N.E. Fremont St.
Portland
,
OR
US
97213-1754
Reception
Portland Yacht Club
1241 Northeast Marine Drive
Portland
,
OR
US
97211
Thursday, October 30, 2008,
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