George Babe Caron, CMSgt USAF(Ret)

[BLUEHAWK]

George Babe Caron














NEW LIMERICK and MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - George Babe Caron died unexpectedly but peacefully Oct. 25, 2010, at his winter retreat in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He was born May 30, 1933, in Brownville Junction, the eldest son of George and Vivian (Vague) Caron.

Always known as "Babe," he attended Brownville Junction High School before enlisting in the Maine National Guard. Babe was a top amateur boxer in Maine at an early age and compiled a 44-1 record before turning professional in 1952. He fought under the name Babe McCarron, the same name that his father boxed under during the 1930s. He was the Maine welterweight champion for several years before he had to relinquish the title when he went overseas with the U.S. Air Force in 1954.

Despite being activated into the Air Force during the Korean War, Babe continued his professional boxing career until 1962, compiling a 37-11-1 record that included a middleweight championship title and exhibition fights with some of the biggest names in the sport at that time: world champions, Tony DeMarko and Curtis Cokes.

Babe remained on active duty in the Air Force another 11 years for a total of 22 years before retiring with the top noncommissioned rank of chief master sergeant in 1973. Babe enjoyed his years in the military and may well have stayed longer had he not been so passionate about golf. While stationed at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, Babe decided to make golf his full-time job, so he got his PGA certification and moved his family back to Maine to become the resident pro for Houlton Community Golf Club.

While he was not entirely sure what he was getting into at the time, it is unlikely that he would have guessed that HCGC would become home to him for the next 37 years. During those years, Babe's infectious love of the sport and honed teaching skills brought joy and excitement to a countless number of people, while his charming, generous nature and masterful storytelling made him numerous friends. Babe's presence at the club helped define the character of HCGC, and there is no doubt that HCGC helped define Babe.

Babe is survived by Nancy (Thompson) Caron; his children, Michael Caron and Jane Caron; his son-in-law, Derrick Wulf; granddaughters, Sydney Wulf and Katherine Wulf; brothers, Charles "Buddy" Caron and Terry Caron; sister, Irene Larson; brother-in-law, Dennis Larson; sisters-in-law, Shirley Caron and Wilma "Billie" Caron; Jake Caron; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Eugene "Sunny" Caron. His family will miss him greatly and will forever feel fortunate to have been a part of his life.

Babe's ashes will be interred at the Caron family plot in Brownville Junction. A celebration of Babe's life will be held in the spring at Houlton Community Golf Club.


Published in Bangor Daily News on November 4, 2010