Obituary of Burton Boyd Backman

Burton Boyd Backman, 98, passed away November 29, 2022, in Olympia, Washington, his home of 60 years.  He was born March 26, 1924, to Oscar and Clara Backman in Winlock, Washington.  He also resided in Parkland and Rainier, Washington.

 

Burton graduated from Winlock High School in 1942.  He earned a bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University in 1948, and master’s degree from Portland State University in 1969.

 

He entered the U.S. Navy in February 1943, serving in the Pacific during World Ward II.  He married Joan Jahlstrom on October 7, 1944, in Winlock.

 

Professionally, Burton was a school teacher/counselor/administrator.  He taught grade school in Rainier (1950), was school superintendent in Littlerock (1964-1967), a high school counselor in Tumwater (1967-1969), vice principal at Tumwater High School (1969-1971), principal at Michael T. Simmons Elementary and Peter G. Schmidt Elementary (1972-1982).

 

Burton was a hard-working man.  He loved reading, watching all sports, and swimming.  He was a member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

 

He is survived by his daughter, Sue Schmidt of Palm Desert, California; sons, Steve Backman (wife, Erin Hinkle) of Tumwater, and Scott Backman (husband, Don Kelly) of Longbranch, Washington; and one grandchild.  He was predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Clara; wife, Joan (7/26/1999); and son-in-law, Frank Schmidt (6/11/2022).

 

Memorial donations may be made to Lutheran Church of Good Shepherd in Tumwater or a local food bank.

 

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