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John Backman Obituary
We lost our dearest Rod Backman, on the summer solstice, 2019. He was a hugely generous and positive force in the world and in our lives. Rod made a beautiful life that was full to the brim with friends, family, music, food, gardening, mountains, canyons, travel, social justice, scrabble and sleeping-in. We, his friends and family, have lived, loved, and laughed more deeply because of him. He will be profoundly missed. His presence in our lives is acutely felt and cherished.
Born in 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Rod was the youngest of five children. In the 6th grade, Rod started his life-long music career playing the upright bass. He played bluegrass, rock-a-billy, gypsy jazz, and classical music. Rod lived in San Francisco, northern California, and Guadalajara, where he played in the symphony. Seattle was his home for nearly forty years. Rod had a long career at the King County Library, where he was a proud and active member of the AFSCME Local Union 1857.
He is survived by his wife, Carole Korelin; his daughter, Kim Bennett, and grand children, Braden and Johnelle; his sisters, Carol Munro and Jill Jones; by a whole gaggle of nieces and nephews, official and honorary; his best friend, Scott Spadafora, and by a vast community of friends, musical and not so musical, who are singing and dancing Rod's praises.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Grace Backman, his siblings Joan Kirkham and Mac Backman, and his nieces, Robyn Leary Mancini, and Jan Duncan.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Backman
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5 Entries
Chloe Jones
July 19, 2019
Words that come to mind when I think of Rod: generous, openhearted, spirited, helpful. He was always the one doing the dishes after dinner and always with a smile. He really listened - and you could see it in his brilliant blue eyes - that genuine curiosity, deep care and open heart. I remember watching him with Sophie and Grace, when they were little - how entertained he was by them, how fully he gave his attention to them. He had an appetite for life that kept him playing music late, seeking adventure, savoring good food, asking good questions, laughing. He always seemed younger to me than he was, yet wise.
Marsha Kirkham
July 18, 2019
I am so glad to have had the pleasure of knowing Rod. He was so talented and Kee and I always enjoyed visiting with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Carole, his family and friends during this difficult time. Cherish the memories. With Sympathy and Love
Marsha Kirkham
Carol Munro
July 17, 2019
O baby brother I don't know what I will do without you. You see when you were born I was already grown up and I fell in love with you.
when you were a little kid you were always in a hurry. Busy, busy. When we were adults we lived in San Francisco at the same time. I used to cut your hair. I will never be able to fill the hole your absence brings. I love you.
Guy and Pat
July 15, 2019
We will miss you always but your smile and gentle ways live on in our memories.
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