JOHN HARLOW BACKUS

John was a delightful conversationalist, and one of the most brilliant men I ever met. It was such a joy to be able to discuss history with him. His smile and his laughter could fill a room! It was an honor to be his friend.

I first met John in the mid-1960s when he was at St. Andrews Seattle and I was going thru confirmation. About 10 years later, I knew the woman I wanted to marry (she said yes) and I sought out, now Canon John Backus and at Trinity in Everett. He married Becky and me after completing one or two prenuptial counseling sessions, about which I knew little at the time. Being curious, and at the end of the sessions, I asked what he would have done if he wasn't satisfied with her, my and our...

Fr. John was a remarkable human being and a great friend. He supported me and my family through some rough times in my early adulthood dealing with the gnawing uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis and the grim realities of treatment. He lightened every room and mood with his joie de vivre, and frequent practical jokes, which were legend. Equal to his love of a good time was his compassion, thoughtfulness, and deep, abiding love for his family and many, many good friends. He was that rare person...

Father John's warmth was one of the reasons why I joined his parish in New York in the mid-1990s. I found him to be a rather approachable and open man. He was very friendly on a down to earth level. He had a great sense of humor.

He also sponsored me for the priesthood, and I owe a great deal to him for becoming a priest.

Father John, rest in peace, and see you later...

Reading Wayne's post of Father B driving off into the sunset in his citroen with a cigar and laughing down the long CWA drive paints the whole picture for me too. What a great guy. We were better for spending time with him. A friend and I met up with him in Istanbul in the mid 70's and he played tour guide. No guidebook had his entries. His favorite restaurant was an old bordello and he spent hours telling us the most amazing stories. We had an audience with the Patriarch and that was truely...

Father B's letters from Istanbul, arriving on thin blue air-mail paper, made me feel special when I was 6,and even now at 46. They were for my parents, but he addressed them to me, "Jennifer Juniper," like the song. Jennifer Mahar Imai, CWA '81

Rest in Peace, John. I was blessed to first know John as a Priest and than as a friend when he was Dean at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Peoria. I served on Chapter and as his Senior Warden for three years. He was a kind, warm, thoughtful and generous man. He was a delight to listen too as he always made the lessons of the Gospel so easy to understand with his wonderful stories and examples to explain complex theological concepts. But even more important was his love of people. ...

Father Backus officiated at my wedding forty years ago. I will never forget how, during the prenuptial counseling session, he looked at my husband-to-be and in a somber and serious voice said, "I have only one piece of advice for you: NEVER FORGET YOUR ANNIVERSARY!" The advice was taken to heart and the anniversary has never been forgotten....nor will Father Backus. What a delightful man he was!

Father B's wonderful stories always gave a message and one that was never "preached" to you. I'll always remember the times, growing up, he spent dinnner with us at the house- fun would be an understatement! A great man and will be truley missed...
Doug Tenzler CWA "77"