South Livonia: February 12, 2015 peacefully at home with his family at age 77 years. Predeceased by Patty, his parents Alex and Jesse Backus, sister Bertha Carpenter, brother Wayne Backus, and his cousin Nancy Vonglis. Survived by children; Greg (Tamar) Backus, Lisa (Butch) Butler, Shari (Mike) West, Julie Seeley, Scott (Julie) Backus, and Jennifer Clark (Randy Gascon.) A baker’s dozen of grandchildren +1; Leanne (Adam), Lindee (Tim), Liz (Chris), Wally, Shelby, Jolene, Mason, Cam (Allison), Dylan (Sabrina), Shawna (Zach), Ally (Sid), Ethan, Chad, and Karlee. Great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Gary was born at home in South Livonia on August 10, 1937 to parents Alex and Jesse (Smith) Backus. Gary graduated from Livonia High School a long long time ago. He was an athlete when in school and was a member of a Livonia championship football team. He was also named an all county football player. Gary participated in the FFA program at school under the direction of Father Huff. He was a father figure for many and always tried to help others, he was the mayor of South Livonia. He was a retiree of Eastman Kodak Company and worked in the roll coating department. Gary died in the same residence that he built with his own hands back in 1959. Gary was an avid hunter and loved to teach others to hunt. He spent many days sawing wood at the Hemlock Fair Sawmill. He enjoyed the friends, camaraderie, and good stories.
Friends may call on Sunday, February 15th, from 1-4pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street (Rte 20A), Livonia, where services will follow calling at 4pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Livonia Ambulance, PO Box 8, Livonia, NY 14487 or the Hemlock Fair Sawmill, PO Box 263, Hemlock, NY 14466. To send a condolence and for further information please visit:
www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Julie, Shari and rest of family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your father. May all your wonderful memories sustain you in the coming days. Bob and Jackie Quinn
The news of Gary’s passing is so very sad for me. I visited my Mom over the years while living in Maine and Gary was always a smiling neighbor to my Mom. We have enjoyed many a conversation and a cold beer or two over the years. What I cared most about Gary was how much help and compassion he gave from his soul to my Mother. Gary I ‘Thank You’ from the bottom of my heart. God Bless You. Carl
To Julie and Shari and the Backus Family: BIG HUGS n KISSES to U all! I was saddened to hear of your loss. I know its not a very fun time. I miss seeing u guys but think of the laughs we have had. My heart goes out to you. Prayers and good thoughts to you All. Love Ya, Donna J
Our condolences to the family. I will miss him sitting in front of the house. I know he will be greatly missed by all.
To Sheri and Mike and the family of Gary Backus , our condolences and I will miss Gary helping out at the saw mill and museum, You could always depend on Gary to help were ever help was needed.GodBless
Rest in peace Gary. You were a great father to your children and a teacher to your grandchildren Your stories were always a source of laughter. You will be missed greatly by your family.
My deepest sympathy to the Backus family. Gary will truly be missed in South Livonia. He was a kind and gentle man. It was always a pleasure to talk to him.
Thoughts and prayers to the family, Gary was a great man and will surely be missed…
I had the pleasure of working with Gary many years ago at Kodak. He was a real “super” guy in more ways than one. Not only was he a tremendous worker, but he was a real great guy to talk to as well !! He will be missed and remembered both !!
Our sympathy to all of Gary’s children. Gary and his wife Pat were long time friends. We will miss Gary very much. He was a super person. We had some great times in the past with Gary and Pat. Friends like Gary and Pat are cherished forever.
sincerely with sympathy
Bob and Margie Enright
My deepest sympathy to Shari, Mike and all the family.I got well acquainted with Gary as a co-worker at the Hemlock Fair sawmill. He was a wonderful guy!
Russ Laidlaw
To Lisa, Shari, Julie, Jennifer, Greg & Scott and your lovely families, I am heartbroken over the loss of your Dad/Grampa and my childhood friend. Gary and I were born under the same sign two weeks apart – our parents (who were great friends) always told us that is why we both had the “eye” thing. Gary was a great story teller and he would enjoy the fact that I shared this one of mine. He was truly a kind, loving lifetime friend, I will miss him always.
Love and prayers,
Hazel
My condolences to the family. Gary was a childhood friend and I have very fond memories of this fine, gentle man.
I will miss you dearly. You were an amazing dad, the sacrifices you made for the love of your family was incredible. You are one of a kind. The past 4 years had hard times, but at the same time the best of times. I loved your stories of past times and your sense of humor.You and mon were great role models and the two most generous people I know. I love you more Dad 🙂 Happy Valentines Day and please tell mom I miss her everyday.
I will miss you so deeply. You were an amazing dad, the sacrifices you made for the love of your family was incredible. You are one of a kind. I love you more 🙂 Tell mom I miss her everyday.
my thoughts are prayers are with your family- he was a great guy!
We are bereft at, not only the tremendous loss of your beautiful soul, but also your wonderful words of wisdom, and so often your words of love, honesty, and humor. You have personally touched our family through not only your love and kindness, but also allowed so many of us to be touched and loved by your own amazing family members! We will always love you and yours and will look to your life and words to guide us in all aspects of life ~ Farewell & Thank You! Roy & Elizabeth Perkins and Lori & Lisa Welch-Welch
My sincere condolences. My heart is with each of you Sweethearts.
All of us at Hemlock Fair will miss Gary greatly – Our deepest sympathies go out to the family for your loss.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I always considered Gary a “class act”. I will keep you in my prayers. Dan West