Richard F. Babcock, The Dean of American Planning Law

Abstract

Dick Babcock was many things and he was good at them all—husband, father, grandfather, mentor, teacher, employer, partner, author, coauthor, master gardener, Cubs fan, cook, friend, storyteller, and wise counselor. He was also an enthusiastic golfer. He was married to one of the most remarkable women I have ever known. Betty Babcock was the best, all-knowing and all-caring and, in my heart, a critical element of everything Dick did and thought. She was also a steady hand for all of us in Dick's extended family, and her calm served all of us who were privileged to share in Dick's larger-than-life life. He was also a very good land use lawyer.