Brent R. Babcock, age 64, of Tawas City died on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at his home. Brent was born on April 5, 1945, in Tawas City to Carl B. and Oka B. (nee Millard) Babcock. He graduated from Tawas Area High School in 1963, received a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and attended Detroit College of Law, where he graduated with a Juris Doctorate degree. Upon finishing school, Brent began his law practice in Tawas City. Several years later, he also opened his own real estate office, Tawas Bay Realty. Brent was elected to fulfill a two-year short-term council position on the Tawas City Council on Nov. 6, 2007. On Nov. 3, 2009, he was re-elected to a four-year full-term position on the Tawas City Council. He was also the secretary and treasurer for the Tawas City Business Association and a former Kiwanian and Rotarian. Brent had a true passion for the water, enjoying both power and sail boating. He raced lightning class sailboats as well as larger boats, participating in several Port Huron to Mackinac and Chicago to Mackinac races. Brent was an icon at the Tawas Bay Yacht Club, where, being a member since age 21, he was the third most senior member. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and all forms of physical exercise. Brent loved the Tawases. Embracing his personal motto to "leave the place better than you found it," he worked hard to make the community a better place through his involvement with the Tawas Parks and Recreation Board and many Tawas River clean-up projects. Foremost, Brent truly loved his children, family and friends. Brent is preceded in death by his father and mother and stepmother, Erma Wilcken. He is survived by his beloved children, son, Brent R. Babcock Jr. (fiancée, Marilee Hurst) of Ypsilanti, and daughter, Deanna Babcock of Raleigh, N.C,; his former loving wife and friend of many years, Debbie Babcock; one brother, Butch (Diane) Babcock of East Tawas; two sisters, Nicole Dillon of Mesa, Ariz., and Cheryl (Gerald) Clark of Midland; six nieces and nephews; numerous grand nieces and nephews; cousins; and many friends. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service was held on Saturday, Nov. 28, at Tawas United Methodist Church in Tawas City with Pastor Rob Nordin officiating. The family received friends at the church on Saturday prior to the service. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the Arbor Day Foundation or a charity of your choice as memorial donations in Brent's name. An on-line guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneral homes.com. Arrangements are by Buresh and Kobs Funeral Home of Tawas City.