It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Twiss Babcock on May 7th, 2025, at the age of 71. Frank was born in Logansport, Indiana on July 23rd, 1953. His family moved to Glendale, California in 1958. He attended Incarnation Elementary followed by Notre Dame High School. Frank graduated from University of Portland, where he played basketball for coach Jack Avina, with a degree in English and Communication.
In 1975, with their beloved friend Fr. Barr’s blessing, Frank married his high school sweetheart Gretchen. Together, they moved to Santa Maria, California where he taught high school and they met their forever friend Sister Louis. In 1978, they moved to Maui for a year before Frank contracted ‘Island Fever’ and relocated to Corvallis, Oregon; firmly planting their roots.
Frank spent the next 32 years guiding youth as an educator and coach. He cultivated the core values of perseverance, finding passion and strong work ethic; always emphasizing the value of playing simply for the joy of it.
Frank fell in love with Bamboo and upon retirement started his business, Mary’s Peak Bamboo, selling plants to nurseries throughout the Northwest. He spent countless hours transforming work into play through the nurturing of Bamboo in his yard. He moved dirt with a shovel as if it were an art form.
Frank was bigger than life. He loved new adventures, meeting new people and hearing their stories. He wrote poetry that would evoke new perspectives all the while his presence radiated joyful humor. A complex but simple man.
Frank and Gretchen have 8 children. He guided his children with his values: hard work, kindness, respect, having fun, and taught us that family is the most valuable gift of all. Frank loved his family with all his heart. When he discovered grandparenthood, that love grew exponentially; his 18 grandchildren each tickling his heart with their own personality and style.
Frank is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gretchen; his children, Isaac (Bjornen), Simon (Marja), Emily (Ben), Cindy (Leif), Sean (Cara), Aileen (Cody), Gabe (Emily) and Woody (Cora); his grandchildren, Caleb, Jacoby, Henry, Gretel, Makiah, Clara, Oliver, Gus, Muriel, Maggie, Lainey, Walter, Arlo, Josephine, Ellis, Zeda, Bull and one on the way; his siblings, Hank, John (Catherine), Jenny (Mike), Jim, and Janice.
Frank’s last poem – The World We Live In
The last thing held in my hand
Was a large spoonful of chocolate pudding
With my big spoon wrapped around your heart.
What a ride with you and the eight galaxies
We have spawned, like dandelions
Worth nickels in this mundane world
But millions in the commerce of the stars!
Please join us at a gathering for Frank on June 28th at 1:00 pm at Tyee Wine Cellars, 26335 Greenberry Rd. Dancing and music to follow.
Donations may be made in Frank’s honor to OPB or Philomath High School Forestry ASB.
Gretchen, Elias Delgadillo here. So sorry for your beautiful loss. As Daniel 12:13 promises, Frank will stand up again in the near future. In fact God’s word promises the hope of the resurrection. Matt. 5: 28 as well no more death. Rev. 21: 3,4. Continue to persevere you have such a big family that will now look for your courage and guidance. It was a honor knowing and competing with Frank. My love and condolences. E