Manson Franklin Backus II

Manson Franklin BACKUS, II Born December 12, 1910 in Seattle, Washington at the family home on University Avenue. His parents were Leroy Manson Backus and Edith Boetzkes Backus. Our father passed away peacefully, at home, after along and debilitating illness on June 26, 2003. Services will be held privately. His adored wife Frances A. Backus, sons M. Franklin, III, William Stephen, brothers Clinton, Leroy and sister Emma, predeceased him. Dad is survived by his children, Ned (Carol), Susan (Phil) Stoller and John (Valerie); grandchildren, Ted, Chris, Sandor, Keriann, Spencer, Peter and Massimo Backus and Matthew Stoller. Dad had in addition four great grandchildren. His sister Edith is the last member of his generation and he has four nephews and several great nephews and nieces. He graduated from Lakeside School in 1927, the first graduating class, and was the lone survivor and oldest alum of the school. He continued his education at the U of W and Harvard Business School. His associations were varied. Current memberships were Life Member of the Seattle Yacht Club and the oldest member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Seattle Chapter. Dad had been a member of The Rainier Club, Seattle Tennis Club, Kiwanis, N.W. Cattlemen's Assoc., The Dude Ranch Assoc., Corinthian Yacht Club and the First Avenue Improvement Club. During a long career he was a developer, insurance agent and real estate manager. Dad was so proud when Aurora Village Shopping Center opened, as this was the high point of his career as a developer. Mom and Dad had the wisdom and generosity to create the Lucky Seven Foundation. His children will continue to work hard for our community through their thoughtfulness. Manson was happiest when he was either sailing, puttering on the farm or riding the trails of the state upon one of his many Arabian horses. He enjoyed many sails in the San Juan's on his R boat "The Lady Pat", or racing his International 14 "Tad". He stayed in touch with the earth while farming in Ellensburg, Methow Valley or raising "Springers" in Carnation. We all want to express our love and thanks to his amazing care givers for the past 4½ years, Sally Jackson, Arieta Safiu, Gertrude Hightower, Akeza Gebru, Lobelia Davisson, Pat Gratton and Snehiata Shah. With their love and support Mom and Dad's lives were greatly enriched! In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to: The R Boat "Pirate Fund", Wooden Boat Center, 1010 Valley St., Seattle, 98109 or The Bridle Trails Park Foundation, 6619 132nd N.E., Suite 265, Kirkland, 98033. WE WILL MISS YOU DAD, OUR RENAISSANCE FATHER