Fr. Robert Backherms S.M.

Father Bob touched so many young peoples lives. I remember his leading a retreat at a lake house and being touched by the Holy Spirit in a profound sand tangible way. He helped many connect our lives to God and we will always be thankful. On the anniversary of his passing tomorrow, we will be especially remembering Father Bob!

I think of Father Bob quite often. He was the second cousin of my father and his sister Alberta, Backherms Maurer. In the early '80s, Aunt Alberta was in a Florida nursing home close to me, dying from lung cancer. At this time she was still able to be "checked out" of the facility to visit family for the day. Out of the blue Father Bob called me and said he'd like to see Alberta. I arranged to bring her to my little Florida home. Father Bob , Alberta, my husband, young children and I shared...

I exchanged Christmas cards (and a visit apiece) with Father Bob for many years - well, since 1970, actually!

He was a counselor on a trip sponsored by the Foreign Study League to France for the whole summer. I became friends with some of the kids from his group, and incidentally was treated to Father Bob's guitar-led singalongs.

After returning to the US, I struck up correspondence with about five of my new friends, including Father Bob. The others grew up, got married, stopped...

I will always treasure the family information Father Bob so graciously shared with me. Rest in peace, dear Father Bob. We'll keep smiling until we see you again.

Uncle Bob I will be miss you. The historian of our family. The stories about family I will treasure my life time. You touched the lives of some many.