Alexander Beck Babcock ’55

Mike, whose deep love of teaching imbued his entire life, died Oct. 18, 2022, in Pasadena, Calif. After Princeton graduation and marriage to Carole Bailey, he spent three years in the Navy in Florida, then returned to California, determined to make some serious money. After three years, he drove by a high school and realized what he really wanted to do was teach. 

That he did, first getting a master’s degree in education from USC and then devoting his life to education. After years of teaching, he wound up as head of Polytechnic School and leader of several other school boards and community organizations in the area, including the Pasadena Unified School Board. 

In his free time, Mike loved RV trips to the desert, woodworking, tennis, swimming, watching sports, and playing spirited games of Yahtzee with his family. Friends said his wit, humor, and kindness were wonderfully infectious. 

Mike was born March 18, 1933, in Summit, N.J. He attended Webb School in Claremont, Calif., and at Princeton majored in psychology and joined Tiger Inn. He played IAA pingpong, tennis, and golf, and his senior-year roommates were Kenly Webster, Al Weech, and John Roos.

Mike was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Carole. He is survived by children Michael, Linda Broker, Scott, and David; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.