Rex Babin, Bee editorial cartoonist was 49

The Sacramento Bee announced the death of the paper's editorial cartoonist on Friday at his home. Babin had cancer, the paper's story said. He had been with the Bee since 1999.

Editorial Page Editor Stuart Leavenworth: "Rex was an extraordinary colleague and friend, and he had few peers in crafting cartoons that provoked laughter, anger, empathy and a strong sense of community. Right up until his last weeks, he was using his unique talents to help us make sense of California, his home state. His perseverance inspired all of us who had the chance to work with him."

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson issued a statement saying the city has lost "a unique and vibrant voice."

"Even when you were on the wrong end of his pen -- when you were the one being skewered by Rex -- he was so talented that you had to come away with admiration for the guy," Johnson said.

Babin at his desk: Sacramento Bee