Obituary of Henry Wilbur Backous

Hank Backous passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at Franciscan Hospice House in University Place, Washington. He was born in Wetonka, South Dakota on August 30, 1929 to Jesse and Marianne Backous. Hank retired at the rank of Staff Sgt. First Class in 1968 having served 20 years in the Army, including assignments across the United States, Europe and Viet Nam. During his time in the military, Hank was stationed in Richmond, California, where he met and married his wife of 62 years, Mary Elaine (Ferguson) Backous. Hank and Mary raised their six children as they travelled the world on military assignments until they finally settled in Lakewood, Washington, where they built the home they have shared with family and friends since 1957. Hank was Pop-Pop to seven grandchildren, and a tried and true friend to many in his work and personal life. Hank was known for his talent as a mechanic who could fix and maintain just about anything with just a screwdriver and a pair of pliers. He also ensured that many kids in Washington State learned the value of fair play, teamwork and sportsmanship as a youth soccer referee for the Washington State Youth Soccer Referees Association. Hank also served for many years as the Assistant Scout Master for Lakewood Troop 444 of the Boy Scouts of America. Children learned the joy of reading through Hank’s grandparent volunteer work at the St. Francis Cabrini School library. Hank began his post military career with Gov-Mart Stores in Lakewood, where his strong work ethic allowed him to become the Auto Service Manager, a position he maintained until Gov-Mart closed their stores. He then went on to a career as a lead maintenance mechanic at Pittsburg Midway Mineral Mining (Gulf Oil) on the Fort Lewis Military Reservation. Hank completed his career and retired from GP Gypsum (formerly Domtar Gypsum) in the Port of Tacoma, Washington. Hank leaves a legacy of hard work, determination and the importance of providing for one’s family. Hank was known as a man of few words, which means many experienced Hank’s love and support in the things he did for them. Hank is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Elaine (Ferguson) Backous; his children, Bill Backous, Marrianne Backous and her partner Stephan Brkylcica, Caroline (Backous) Goodrich and her husband Gary Goodrich, Doug Backous and his wife Julie (Lindberg) Backous, Chris Backous and his partner Nick Nowicki. Seven grandchildren have known Hank as Pop-Pop; Eric Backous and his wife Natalie Backous, Jameson Backous, Kyle Backous and his fiancé Courtney Smith, Sarah Hodge, Taylor Backous, Jonathan Backous and Lindsey Backous have had the joy of seeing Pop-Pop at soccer games, dance recitals, graduations, weddings and even Jonathan’s Eagle Scout Ceremony where Hank had the honor of presenting his grandson with his medal. Hank’s sisters, Juanita and Nancy Backous, and brother, Duane Backous, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and close friends also celebrate his life and mourn his death. Hank is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Marianne Backous; siblings, Elden Backous and Beverly (Backous) Pietz; and his daughter, Irene Hodge. Hank’s family is grateful for the loving care of his primary care team, as well as the care teams at St. Clare’s and St. Joseph’s Hospitals. Special gratitude to the expert and caring team at Franciscan Hospice House in whose loving care Hank passed away peacefully. The family would encourage all who wish to donate in Hank’s name do so to Franciscan Hospice House, 2901 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, WA 98466-4631, (800) 338-8305, http://www.fhshealth.org/Health-Care-Services/Hospice-and-Palliative-Care/Make-a-Gift-To-Hospice/ Please leave memories of Hank or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.