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Harvey Backus Obituary
of Sidney
Harvey D. Backus, Sr., 75, passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2007. He was the last surviving child of George and Lillian Backus's 16 children. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Beverly (Birtch) Backus; his children, Harvey and Tammy, Fletcher and Denise, all of Binghamton, Linda and Steve, Bainbridge, Brook and Mary, Oxford, Tonya and Bill, Georgetown and Angel, Sidney. He is also survived by many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many other family members and close friends to whom Harvey was family. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He retired from Laborers Union Local #7 and NYS Division for Youth.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 44 Exchange St., Binghamton, with Willis Carter, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Rural Cemetery, Kirkwood. Friends may call at the funeral home, Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Syracuse Office, 356 North Midler Ave., Syracuse, N.Y. 13206.
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Memories and Condolences
for Harvey Backus
Sponsored by anonymous.
Inga
March 30, 2025
Frances Baker
August 16, 2021
Today has been a really rough day. I could use a special hug from you. I miss you dearly Uncle Harv.
Rachel Backus
April 6, 2016
Hey Grandpa, me again. It's been almost 9 years and I miss you more and more than ever! I hope you know you were my sunshine, my light. And I will ALWAYS love you! Thank you for always being what I needed and more! I love you!!! I light this candle so that the light that once shined through you so brightly now shines through me because you fill my heart with that love and light!
dave crampton
July 13, 2015
I think often of uncle Harvey and I always am reminded of his love for Jehovah. Im so thankful I will see him again in the new system! LOVE Dave Crampton
willow backus
December 3, 2014
Grandpa so many years have gone by and i miss you more and more i wait to hear you tell me everything will be ok! but i know you were took for a good reason and i know you look downn on all of us but i wish i coulld do so many things over!! I love you forever my dad/grandpa! :)
seth dibble
November 9, 2008
Harvey D Backus SR. ( Grandpa Backus) grandpa no words can tell how much you ment to me you are about the only man in my life that i can say was always there for me through the good and the bad and you always made think thing throug befor doing you are the best man frined parent and grandfather any one could ask for you never had any thing bad to say about any one you would take the shirt off your back for any one you would go with out to make sher that thougts you cared about had you are loved and missed greatly, see you soon when we can once again be togther in peace love you
Rachel Backus
October 17, 2008
Hey Grandpa,
Its me Rachel. Just wanted to speak to you. I am having a hard time right now. I really miss you.Y ou know i love u pa. It is going on a year without you. I miss you more and more everyday.I find myself seeing you when I look at people. I call the phone just to hear your voice. I miss you so much. You were not just my grandpa but my dad, my best friend, and love of my life. There will never be anyone more percious than you are to me. I love You grandpa. Sweet Dreams until we meet again. I LOVE YOU GRANDPA!!!!!
Rachel
Dee Briggs
August 14, 2008
Uncle Harvey, Labor Day weekend is coming and I have been thinking about our family functions we used to have at the hunting lodge. When we were all together and had big bbq's. Its weird to think how fast time goes by and how many losses our families have suffered since those days. I remember thinking that no one had a family as big as ours. I miss you. love Dee
Fran Backus
August 7, 2008
Uncle Harve,
I have miss you so much this summer. When ever you came down I would look forward to spending time with you and Aunt Bev. It always seemed you had a smile and a kiss for me. I feel like I have lost my Dad when I lost you. You always took care of us and love us when we was little. I try to think about the last day we spent together. But thats hard to think about too. But I did get to love on you and spend the day with you and Aunt Bev. I have been so sick. I feel it won't be long here for me, and I just hope you and Grandma with both take my hands as I go. I will always love you Uncle Harve, and you will always be loved in my heart.
Franny
Franny Backus
January 20, 2008
Uncle Harve,
I miss you so much. You have always been a very special part of my life. Never out of my thoughts. It was really hard not to have you and Aunt Bev here for the holidays. I have gotten very used to seeing you two this time of year. I will never forget you telling Brooke you wanted to sit next to your Franny at Dad's celebration. That was a very special day just to spend it with you. I love you Uncle Harve, and I always will. Sing with the Angels. Thats why you was sent to heaven.
My Love,
Franny
WENDY WADE
January 2, 2008
UNCLE HARVEY, JUST WANTED TO WISH YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR. I MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU. I HOPE YOU AND DAD AND ALL OF THE REST OF THE FAMILY BROUGHT IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A BANG TOGETHER LIKE IN THE OLD DAYS. LOVE YOU ALL!
dee briggs
November 25, 2007
Aunt Bev and family, I am so sorry that I couldnt attend Uncle Harvey's service. I had to work.This has been a very hard year for our family and my husband's family with losses. I have very good memories of Uncle Harvey and I cherish them. My favorite memory is when all the Uncles and Aunts would go to McDonough to the lodge and all of us kids could be together. Those were the days. The barbeques and good times will never be forgotten. Uncle Harvey's yodelling and his distinctive voice are fond memories. I cant say the days get easier because its still very hard with Dad gone. You have a big family, use one another for strength and remember the good times. Know that Uncle Harvey was a good man and God has chosen him for that reason. Now he will live on forever. I love you all.
Dee Briggs (Backus)
Jeffrey and Penny Barnes Marshall
November 24, 2007
Dear Beverly and Angel:
I will always remember Harvey's smile and personality. He was like my father too as I was growing up. We will truly miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Leo and Lisa Grems
November 23, 2007
Aunt Bev and Family,
Sorry we couldn't make it for the funeral but please know that all of you are in our prayers and thoughts. Uncle Harvey will always be a part of my life and won't be forgotten. I love you Uncle Harvey
Wendy Wade
November 21, 2007
Uncle "Huggy", I miss you very much. I know this is going to be a hard thanksgiving for the whole family, but I take comfort in knowing that you and Dad are together again and enjoying time together after all of these years. My love and deepest thoughts are with you all and I hope that you use all of the good memories at the Thanksgiving table this year to help you through it. I know Uncle Harvey will be watching from above and laughing with all of you. Love you all. Wendy
Jessica Backus
November 17, 2007
Aunt Bev and cousins, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Harvey was a great man who gave the best hugs and I will never forget the love he gave to me. My thoughts are with you all. I love you all.
Bob and Connie Kisner
November 17, 2007
Dear "Aunt" Bev and Families,
We regret that we could not be there with all of you today as you said farewell to "Uncle" Harv. Please know that you and all your families are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so pleased that we all had a chance to be together at the family get-together at Angie's in the summer of 2006. We wish you and Angel the best and hope to see you sometime in December.
November 16, 2007
It is with great fondness that we remember Uncle Harvey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Donald and Jody (Backus)Upton
Walter & Cathy Osburn
November 16, 2007
Beverly, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. Harvey was a wonderful man and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please give Angel a hug for us.
Love,
Walter and Cathy Osburn
Jared Backus
November 16, 2007
Aunt Bev and family I'm sorry for your and our loss.What a great man he was , the last of a generation of great men. Love you all ,
Jared
November 16, 2007
TO ALL OF YOU,
UNCLE HARV WAS LIKE MY OWN DAD, AND I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY,I LOVED HIS WONDERFUL SMILE, HE ALWAYS MADE ME FEEL VERY SPECIAL. I NEVER SEEN HIM WITHOUT A SMILE..I REMEMBER ALL THE TIMES YOUR FAMILY SPENT AT OUR HOME..THEY WERE GREAT TIMES.HE WAS THE BEST UNCLE ANY ONE COULD ASK FOR.MY HEARTS GO OUT TO ALL OF YOU,AS I KNOW HOW MUCH HE IS GOING TO BE MISSED BY YOU'S.PLEASE REMEMBER I LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH.
LOVE ALWAYS
MARK & FLO AVERY(BACKUS)
Joe and Betty (Boots) Kovalick
November 16, 2007
We know that Harvey is surely in heaven. He was a wonderfull man, loved by all, hated by none. May he restin peace. We will miss him.
CDR John Backus
November 15, 2007
Our prayers are with you all. We weren't able to know Harvey over our lives, but having lost my Dad, Bob/Bunda, I feel your sorrow and loss. God be with you. Love, John and Jean Backus.
Fran Backus
November 15, 2007
Aunt Bev & Family,
I am so sorry for our loss of Uncle Harve. He was such a great man. I could always talk to him about anything. He was always there to give hugs and Kisses everytime I seen him. I will never forget the last time I seen him. He was so sick and was still full of smiles and jokes. I am sure he is singing with the angels in heaven. Aunt Bev if you need anything. Just call Mom or I.
All My Love,
Franny
WENDY WADE
November 15, 2007
I AM AT A LOSS FOR WORDS RIGHT NOW. UNCLE HARVEY(YODELER)(HUGGIE), I WILL SURELY MISS YOU. YOU BROUGHT SO MUCH TO OUR LIVES AS WE WERE GROWING UP AND I WILL CHERISH THOSE TIMES FOREVER. YOU ARE A GREAT MAN AND I ALWAYS HAD THE DEEPEST RESPECT FOR YOU. I HOPE YOU AND DAD ARE UP THERE IN HEAVEN "SHOOTING THE BREEZE" AS YOU DID IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS! TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER AND ENJOY THE REUNION! MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH EVERYONE RIGHT NOW. WE HAVE CERTAINLY SUFFERED ENOUGH LOSSES. LOVE YOU ALL.
Christa McKnight
November 15, 2007
Linda,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was a wonderful man and made a huge impression on a confused kid that was in need of a positive male role model. They say it takes a village and your parents were my village when I really needed one. Please give your Mom a hug from me and tell her I love her. Your Mom and Dad are both very special people that deeply touched my life.
My deepest sympathy to you all.
Lonnie & Rene'e Backus
November 15, 2007
Our thoughts are with you .
Toni Barton
November 15, 2007
MAY THE ANGELS BE NEAR TO HEAR THE GRIEVING OF THOSE WHOM CARED AND LOVED UNCLE HARVEY....ALSO TO WHISPER BACK TO US IN OUR EARS TO LET US KNOW HE IS ALRIGHT AT HOME WITH OUR SAVIOR! NEVER WILL UNCLE HARVEY EXPERIENCE PAIN OR TEARS AGAIN!!! MAY GOD WRAP YOU ALL IN HIS ARMS AND COMFORT YOU AND WIPE AWAY YOUR TEARS!!! LOVE YOU ALL TONI
Jackie Calleja
November 15, 2007
Dear Aunt Bev,
Uncle Harvey, you, Harvey, Fletcher, Linda, Brook, Tanya were always an important part of our lives when were were growing up and our families spent a lot of time together. I love the memories I have of all of us. I love you all. Uncle Harvey was a great man. And, I felt at home when we were together even though it was only for a short time and not the happiest of times last year. I am so sorry. Love, Jackie.
Cher Backus - Molyneaux
November 15, 2007
He was a very special man and I loved him a lifetime.
Debby Backus
November 15, 2007
Uncle Harve,you were always my favorite of all the uncles. I will miss your smile,your gentle ways,and especially your warm wondeful hugs. I love you. You and aunt Bev were and always will be special family to me and my thoughts and prayers are with y'all.
Susan Ellerson
November 15, 2007
Dear Beverly and family, I am so sorry about the lose of Harvey. He was a fantastic friend and fellow man. I hope to see you all soon. Sue Ellerson
Wayne Backus
November 15, 2007
Aunt Bev and Family - Im sorry for your loss. I have memories tucked away from the good old days we all spent out in McDonough. Uncle Harv was a good man, and I'll miss him.
Debbie (Teeple) Clapper
November 15, 2007
To The Backus Family; I am so sorry about Harvey Sr. He was a good person everyone will miss. He is in peace and with other family members. God bless you all.
Bill & Maggie DeVoe
November 15, 2007
Linda, Steve and Family. So sorry for your loss-our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May all the great memories of your Dad help you thru this difficult time.
LOVE & SYMPATHY
Mary Backus
November 15, 2007
Aunt Bev, you were more like a parent to me. May you find the love and comfort in the arms of Jehovah that you have shown me for so many years ... I love you Mommy.
Mary
Bill & Maggie DeVoe
November 15, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family, during this difficult time.
Love to all
Vicki Backus
November 15, 2007
Uncle Harvey,
It is so sad to know that you are gone, You were a great man and a pleasure to be around.. you will be missed by many!Your whole family is together now, make sure you take good care of each other. I love you!
Vicki
Dee and Duane Briggs
November 15, 2007
Aunt Bev and family, This is a very hard time. We have been through this just recently and its still very fresh in our minds. I rest assured knowing that there is a big reunion in Heaven . Dad will guide him and take care of him. I love all of you and will be thinking of you through this difficult time. Love Dee and Duane and family
Mike Meade
November 15, 2007
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
robbin lee
November 15, 2007
my heart is with the backus family.i did not know harvey very well,but if he was like the backus family he was a good man.
Nicole Atwater (Wade)
November 15, 2007
Uncle Harvey,
I know that we haven't seen each other much since I was a kid...but I still loved you the same, and I will greatly miss you! I am very glad that I was able to see you a few months ago and talk with you, and you got the chance to meet my husband and kids. I wish they had the chance to know you like I did when I was growing up, but I will make sure to tell them all about you! I love you and miss you
Tonya Martinez
November 15, 2007
To a wonderful family in time of sarrow. I am so sorry for your loss of a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lilliane Ulmer (Backus)
November 15, 2007
Dear Bev and family, I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Harvey's passing. I know he has been ill for awhile. You have my deepest sympathy, he will be missed, I know he was very loved. It's very interesting that he passed 3 months to the day of my dad Douglas. Hopefully now they can make that peace. Our family truly is at a loss this year with the passing of the last two of George & Lillian's children.
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