Philip N. "Phil" Backstrom

Philip N. (Phil) Backstrom died peacefully on October 29, 2015 surrounded by his family. He was 83. Dr. Backstrom was born on April 20, 1932 in East Orange, NJ. He graduated from high school in Malaca, MN in 1950. He received his undergraduate degree from Gordon college in 1954 and then attended Boston University and graduated with a PhD in History in 1958. He taught European History at Northeastern University for 35 years until his retirement in 1995. Dr. Backstrom was a passionate advocate for civil rights. He was especially proud of marching in Selma on the second march for voting rights with Martin Luther King, Jr in 1965. He brought his experiences to the lecture halls and instilled within his students his sense of justice through both his teaching and his actions. Using his calling as a history professor Dr. Backstrom encouraged curiosity and discourse in his students. At Northeastern University he was instrumental in contributing to the founding of the Holocaust Awareness Committee. He was honored to have a lecture series entitled "Philip N. Backstrom Holocaust Survivor" series and was an active member until his death. Dr. Backstrom was also a nature enthusiast and ardent member of the Audubon Society. His children, stepchildren and grandchildren have all developed a heightened sense of appreciation for their own environment as a result of his deep respect and love for the spirituality of nature. In his retirement he volunteered for 15 years at the Senior Center in Millis tutoring computer literacy. Dr Backstrom is survived by his wife Sandra Backstom of Millis, MA; daughters Kirsten Backstrom and partner Holly Jarvis of Portland, OR, Jill Lee of Newbury, New Hampshire, and Diana Backstrom of New London, NH. Also stepdaughters Tracie Reynolds and her husband John of Wellesley, MA and Jen Kelly and her husband Kevin of Medway, MA. Also grandchildren Samantha Teixeira, Jason Teixeira, Jessica Thompson, Hannah, John and Thomas Reynolds; William and Grace Kelly and two great grandchildren Kaley and Mya Backstrom A funeral mass in his honor will be celebrated on November 2, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church in Needham followed by burial at St. Mary's Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dr. Backstrom's life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests a donation to the Audubon Society.