Don H. Babbitt, III (Harold) passed away peacefully from complications of pneumonia on January 19, 2024 surrounded by his family,
Harold was born in Worland, Wyoming on June 12, 1960. Harold was an avid skier at the ripe age of three years old. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and hiking. Harold was part of the Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout.
Harold graduated from Worland Senior High School in 1978. Harold attended Chadron State College earning degrees in Industrial Arts and Drivers Education. After graduating from college, he became a firefighter for the Bureau of Land Management. He enjoyed being on the fire fighting crew for approximately three years before he was offered a position with Pacific Power and Light.
Harold met Susan Van Heule in 1980 and they were united in marriage on June 14, 1986. Harold and Susan’s first son Don joined them in 1988 and they welcomed a second son, Parker in 1990. Having children never stopped them from camping, waterskiing and enjoying life. Every moment was spent teaching their children that money didn’t grow on trees and taught them each how to be the sons they are today.
Harold retired after 35 years with Rocky Mountain Power as an account manager. Harold loved entertaining his friends and family and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Harold is preceded in death by his grandparents, and parents Don and Sally Babbitt, along with several other members of his family. Harold is survived by his wife Susan, son Don (Faryn), Parker (Katie), sister Carolyn Durr (Randy), grandchildren Don, Harlow, Carter, Rylie as well as many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on January 28, 2024 at the Cornerstone Baptist Church at 1:00 PM with Steve Salmons officiating.
Interment services will be held in Worland, Wyoming this summer.
When we came to America, knowing nobody, Harold became my first friend. I have so many good memories of him: working on endless projects down at his shop, wrangling boats and jet skis at the lake, fixing snowmobiles up in the mountains, tending bar at the Schooner. But mostly it's our long conversations I remember. I particularly remember Kay and I sitting with Harold and Susan in their magnificent motor home during a rain storm, and discussing the best position to take during a lightning strike! Harold was courteous, funny, modest (in a smug kind of way!) generous to a fault, and usually the smartest guy in the room. He had an enquiring mind, the mind of a scientist, but also was incredibly practical and creative. Just about everything I learned about what it means to be an American, I learned from Harold. Even though it's way too long since we last saw each other, he's always there in the workshop of my mind, tinkering with something he built and working out how he can make it better. I miss him.
What a loss to this world. Harold blessed all who knew him, and even was an example to his wayward friends. I went to school with him for eleven and one half years. We shared many experiences in the Jaycees and enjoyed Worland until marriage and jobs took us down different roads. My condolences to Susan and the boys. My heart goes out to you. May God bless you.
I’m so sorry to read about Harold’s death, in the Pacific Power retiree newsletter. What a tragic loss. He died much too young. I worked with him at Pacific Power. He loved technology and kept me busy with his technical questions. I got to ride in his phone booth elevator and see your camping site on the satellite image. He was a lot of fun to be with and will be missed.
Wow. I went to HS with Harold (it took a moment to recall that he was, in fact, DHB III). We worked on a Model T in his garage and I remember him being so positive (?) about smashing the glass in the door window to replace it. To this very day I think there was a better, more conservative way to do it but he was just so accepting that this method got the job done. Later on, he was one of a tiny set of people from back home to come see me in New Orleans (we saw Howard The Duck...ugh...not a great movie but Harold wanted to see it so whaddyagonnado?). I am so sorry to hear he is gone and my condolences to all. He was a great friend.
Sincere condolences to the Babbitt family. I went to CSC with your loved one. I remember him as Don from those days. We crossed paths again in the 90’s when he was with PP&L and I was working in Rawlins. Always a friendly smile and easy conversation! So sorry for your loss. Greg Powell.
We just heard about Harold's passing and want to offer our condolences to Harold's family. I got to know Harold through working at UW and we did some amazing work things together. The 3rd and Harney Shop was an amazing place to spend a Friday evening at and was worthy of being a TV sitcom. Harold loved fixing things, especially older ones. The world definitely needs more Harolds. God Speed, Frosty Selmer
I originally met Harold when he was repairing our family boat. We instantly became friends. I admired Harold for many reasons. He was a genuinely wonderful person who was caring, loyal and loving. He had a wealth of knowledge and was always willing to help me with my many and varied projects. I always thought that Harold was “YouTube” - before YouTube existed. We worked on many projects together including boat and vehicle repair, sewing upholstery & awnings, RV interior lighting, and many more. I will forever miss our evening toddies together solving world problems and discussing our projects.
We just heard. So very sad. Sending our condolences to you all. The Woirhaye families
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to Harold’s family. I have many good memories of Harold. Harold really enjoyed his family friends and life. Joe and Eldona Gossman
Sorry for your loss Susan
Susan, our hearts are heavy with sympathy. Harold was a great man and friend. He will be missed by many! His humorous ways, his electrical talents and the band, OH, the band. You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. RIP Harold!
Harold always made me feel comfortable and listened to. My heart goes out to Susan and her family.
When I lived in Laramie, I enjoyed many Friday night get-togethers in Harold's garage and went on some of their fun group camping and boating adventures. Harold was a good friend and gracious host. I've been friends with this family for most of my adult life, and Harold will be missed. He could always make me laugh.
Harold was always a delight to be around, with a wonderful heart. His consideration for others was always evident and his sense of humor and creative problem solving were amazing to be around. He will be missed.
Harold will be greatly missed. What an incredible, beautiful mind. I always felt special and looked forward to spending time with him. Cheers to you, my friend!
I am so sorry Susan. Harold was the best and I have always loved him dearly. If my Al were here this would hit him so hard. My prayers are going out to you and your family. What I am going thru now is what you'll be going thru. Please call me Susan if you want to talk or do lunch or something. We may be able to help each other. Harold was a good man and I have so many great memories of him. May our Lord bring you peace. Much Love, Carmella
Dear Susan and Family, Our hearts go out to you in your loss and our prayers are with you. We will always remember Harold for his kindness and generosity to us. We admired his work ethic and ability to make others feel comfortable and valued. Sincerely, Gayle and Gary Henry