Eliot- David Herbert Babkirk, born February 22nd, 1957, passed away on November 19th, 2023.

David grew up in Kittery and Winthrop Maine before graduating from York High School. In 1977 he married his sweetheart, Teresa, and the two spent forty six years together, building a home in Eliot, growing a family of two children, and eventually six grandchildren, and gathering many friends along the way.

After years of working for Hanscom's Truck Stop, Dave and Teresa followed his dream of starting his own business which brought them to know and care for an even greater circle of friends whom they worked with and provided service for over the passing years. His dream will be honored with pride and his legacy will continue on, spearheaded by Teresa, their loyal staff, and devoted friends.

David was a quintessential Mainer. His love for the outdoors resonated throughout his many hobbies. From hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and ATV's to the many years spent in the Moto Cross circuit, both racing and as a beloved track referee for the budding pee-wee riders and their races at MX207.

Beginning in childhood, David grew up spending time hunting and fishing with his father and friends, taking at least two trips a year to a remote camp in northern Maine, originally accessible only by float plane. As the years went by, David trekked his father, many friends and eventually his own children into the old place by ATV. These trips led to a colorful collection of memories for all who visited and countless stories shared over the years have begun with "Jack and I" (Daves best friend Jack Lowe) which typically resulted in something broken, stuck, dirty and always filled with laughter.

Yearly trips to Rainbow Lake with Dave Daoust and his crew from Sprague Energy forged unforgettable memories and friendships. The annual 4-wheeling trips and miles logged around Maine with his close friends Ron and Austin Mahoney, along with a cast of characters who share his love of riding, laughing, mud and a bit of tomfoolery will always be thought of fondly. He enjoyed his weekly business dinners at the Bratt with Phil and Chrissy.

Dave and Teresa hosted neighborhood ice skating parties and bonfires, bringing everyone together. He truly enjoyed being surrounded by friends and family, despite his endearing, yet sometimes grumpy demeanor, if you came to his house unannounced. These cherished memories will remain with all who knew him well, or only spent a brief moment with him.

In 2022 he and Teresa expanded their social gathering places and began building a camp in Shapleigh. Many extended weekends have been spent there, where Dave could enjoy several of his hobbies, including puttering (he had a more colorful name for this of course), and showing off for the grandkids on his motorbike or racing the ATV and snowmobile. He spent hours going back and forth to the lake shore, swapping out grandkids so each could have their turn fishing with him. Nights where spent around the campfire, burning marshmallows-just like how he liked everything cooked-while the family listened to his mischievous tales and ghost stories.

His boisterous and explosive laugh will remain with all of us as we lovingly recall so many amazing memories and misadventures we shared with him throughout his life. The infamously gruff "Hey, what'cha up to'" hello on weekly phone calls and long standing sign off "Well that's all I got to report." Will echo in our minds for all time.

David is predeceased by his parents, Maynard and Connie Babkirk, his brother Dana, father-in-law Roger Lytle, and stepmother Anne.

He is survived by his loving wife of forty six years, Teresa. Their daughter Jessica with her partner Alan and their three children Lily, Marina and Nolan. Their son David James and daughter-in-law Helen Babkirk and their three boys Anastasios, Andreas and Austin.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law Kathy Lytle, sister and brother-in-law Diane and John and their children, brother and sister-in-law Steve and Joanne and their family as well as the expansive list of dear friends.

He will be remembered fondly, loved endlessly, and the hole left by the absence of his dynamic, one-of-a- kind personality and spirit will never be filled. We love and miss you so very much.

Services for David will be held at the JS Pelkey and Son Funeral Home 125 Old Post Road Kittery Maine 03904 on Wednesday, November 29th from 4-6 for visitation and November 30th at 11am for a memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, David's family asks that donations be made in his name to the following organizations:

Maine Wildlife Park in Grey-

https://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife-park/about/friends.html

Center for Wildlife in York-

https://www.thecenterforwildlife.org/donate

Or your local animal shelter.