Frank Roberts Backschies

Frank Roberts Backschies

Frank Roberts Backschies, 81, passed away peacefully with his wife and four children by his side on December 13, 2018. Frank was born May 31, 1937, in Monroe, Louisiana to parents Dottie and Glen Backschies.

Frank is survived by Diane, his loving wife of 57 years; his children Jennifer Wheeler (John), John Backschies (Darci), Chris Backschies (Bridget) and Jeffrey Backschies (Jen); and his five grandchildren: Kate and Will Wheeler, and Georgia, Charlotte, and Fiona Backschies. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Margaret (Backschies) Kelsall.

Frank grew up in Seattle's Windermere neighborhood and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1955. A two-way starter in football, Frank took self-deprecating pride in being part of the "No Score in '54" Roughrider squad that failed to score a single point during the 1954 season. An accomplished student, Frank went on to Stanford University, earning a bachelor's degree in history in 1959. After college, Frank served a stint in the Army as an infantry officer before reaching the rank of captain in the Army Reserves.

Frank and Diane met in 1960. After their second date, Diane's little brother Rick boldly predicted she would marry her new suitor. Frank proposed to Diane just three weeks later, and they were married at Seattle's St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on June 15, 1961. Following in the footsteps of his father, Frank then began a career in the furniture industry that took the young Backschies family from Bellevue to San Ramon, California and Spokane before they settled permanently in Kirkland in 1974.

Frank was first and foremost a devoted husband and father and it was in service to his family that he achieved what he considered his greatest success. Frank was able to work from home and simply "be there" for his wife and children. He anchored the kitchen; faithfully transported his kids to practices, games and extracurriculars; led many fishing trips throughout the state; and showered his family with unconditional love. Together, Frank and Diane were exceptionally, and joyfully, dedicated parents. When asked what they liked most about their marriage, they'd simply say "four" in reference to their four children.

Despite being a Stanford grad, Frank was a loyal Husky fan. Through their strong association with Husky football during the Don James era, Frank and Diane developed a lifelong friendship with former Huskies Nesby Glasgow and Antowaine Richardson, both of whom are considered Backschies family members to this day.

Anyone who knew Frank will remember him as a warm, kind, and decent man. No one felt that warmth, kindness and decency more than the family Frank loved with his whole heart, and who will miss him dearly.

His memorial service will be held Thursday, December 20 at 1 p.m. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 4805 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105. All are welcome.