JOHN BACKSTROM
1940-01-21 2008-07-07John Marvin Backstrom, beloved father, grandfather, friend and mentor, was called home to the Lord on July 7th, 2008 at 6:45 PM, at the age of 68, after a brief but brutal fight with small cell cancer. John fought hard -again- but this time there was too much stacked against him. John was a loving, caring and generous man who always expected and hoped for the best in people. His energy, enthusiasm and creativity inspired others. He will be greatly missed. Born to Ralph Victor Backstrom and Marjorie (Gillespie) Backstrom on January 21st 1940 in Biwabik Minnesota. John is survived by his brothers Jim Backstrom and Steve Backstrom; three children - John M. Backstrom, Jr., Jeff R. Backstrom and Jennifer L. (Backstrom) Deeny. John had six beloved grandchildren - John M. Backstrom, III; Patrick J. Deeny; Wesley R. Backstrom; Jessica L. Deeny; Mara S. Backstrom and Joseph T. Deeny. Also very special to John were his nieces and nephews and their children - Amy (Backstrom) Murphy, Sara (Backstrom) Hollands, Ingrid Backstrom, Arne Backstrom, Ralph Backstrom, Will Murphy and Caleb Murphy (for Will and Caleb he was "Grunkle John") John was a successful businessman in Seattle having been a partner in Washington Transit Advertising and most recently, a spin off, Washington Graphics LLC (Formerly Washington Sign Company). If you had asked him "what do you do?" - John would have said "I'm a salesperson" For the last 25 years of his life, John was an active part of the recovery community, as per usual for John, he jumped in with both feet - and his heart. His motivation, inspiration and honesty helped thousands of people turn their lives around. Other than his family, John would have said this was his life's greatest work. John requested that no funeral be held; he has been cremated and his ashes will be interred in all the many places he held dear - Samish Duck Club, Cripple River Camp in Nome, Alaska, Camp Backstrom, etc.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/seattletimes/name/john-backstrom-obituary?id=28764385
John was a well loved single parent and grandfather. He raised 3 kids, then worked with 2 of them in business. One daughter-in-law said John was "one of the kindest, most mild tempered and generous men you'd ever have the privilege of knowing." He died July 7, 2008 of cancer.
Margaret and I had been talking for so many months regarding the reunion and how much fun it was going to be. John was so excited about it and his enthusiasm was contagious. We were so looking forward to spending more time with him. Over the years he had visited us in Florida several times and we had stayed with him in Magnolia and Redmond. He actually saved my life in Oct. 1984. He introduced me to a new way of life...without alcohol! He had just celebrated his 25th year in AA on March 28, 2008....the same day I was born...March 28, 1940! All those who knew him loved him and we will forever have fond memories of his great sense of humor, his love of life and family, and his enduring optimism!
tribute by Ted StreukensWhat do you say? John Backstrom was a CHARACTER! What a fun guy to know. He spent a large part of his life helping others. He had a lot of hills to climb but would just keep going and going. I got to see John a lot over the last 15 years and always enjoyed his company. I will miss him.
tribute by Bob Campbell