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Andrew Chase Backus

Andrew Backus Obituary

Andrew Chase Backus died in Bellingham, WA on January 22, 2020 from complications of lung cancer. He is survived by Christine Lilly Backus of Bellingham, his wife of 53 years. He is also survived by his sister, Leslie Claire Backus, and brother-in-law, Greg Cassidy of Silver Spring, Maryland and his nieces, Alisha and Hema Sarang-Sieminski and their children, Thendral, Kavyn and Suriyan Devi of Sharon, MA. A memorial service is planned for February 15 at 2 pm at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth, Bellingham 98225. Gifts in his honor can be directed to the fellowship at the address above.

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Published by Bellingham Herald from Jan. 26 to Feb. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Backus

15 Entries

Linda Thorsen

November 21, 2023

Dear Chris,
I came across this obituary today, and was saddened to learn of Andy's passing. I hope you are comforted by many fond memories of your years together. You may or may not remember that we were colleagues briefly at HGSE. I hope it is some small comfort to know that your fellow student still thinks of you occasionally and wishes the best for you.

Ivy Ruark

January 20, 2022

I remember Andy as a dear friend from the Unitarian Church in Cherry Hill. When I close my eyes, I can still see Andy and Chris smiling and loving life. Active, engaged, gifted and talented. I am sad that Andy is no longer with us, but happy for all the memories I hold of him.

William Conner

June 9, 2020

Andy was a mentor at JHU. A close friend! I wish we had kept in touch!

Karen Szol

February 15, 2020

Dear Chris, Ed and I were very saddened to hear of Andy's passing. He made an impact in the community and all that were privileged to know him well. Our thoughts now turn to you during this difficult time and hope you have a good support system to easy your grief.

Donna-Marie Cahill

February 6, 2020

Dear Chris,
My sincere sympathy to you and the family.
I'm sorry I am not able to be with y'all to celebrate having Andy (and you) in David's and my life for a very special season, filled with so many happy memories.
I moved to Texas a year ago, but y'all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ivy Ruark

February 5, 2020

Dear Chris, I have such fond memories of Andy as a creative and intelligent young man, a friend and fellow choir member. May warm memories surround you and may God uphold you at this difficult time.

Crys and Drew Hamelink

February 1, 2020

So sorry to hear of Andy's passing, Chris. Our Ministers at UU Schenectady advised us that he was gone. I remember his inspiring class on Building Your Own Theology, working with him on the Board, and his wonderful presence officiating at our son's wedding. We will miss him too. Sending our sympathy.

Pat & Cathryn

January 29, 2020

Chris, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We had just been talking about missing both of you.

K8 FH

January 29, 2020

Kate Fitz-Henry

January 28, 2020

Andy always made me feel like I had an important part in our church community; not for anything specific that I did, but just for being me. He noticed people.
And the only reason I can post this photo is that a) the community he helped to foster became central enough to my life that I've kept the newsletters all these years, and b) that I even had the newsletters to keep because Andy made sure I got them at my college post box, to help ward off the homesickness I was feeling. That's just the sort of caring thing he did.
Chris - our hearts are with you, for sure.
-K8

The Mischievous Captain and First Mate.

Robert Lilly

January 28, 2020

Cousin Andy was the kind of guy that always cracked a smile, and made me smile too. Whether it was at the Cabin, aboard the boat, or just visiting with family. An all around solid guy. I will truly miss him.

P&R

John R Stelling

January 28, 2020

You are missed as always Andrew and may Chris be well and know that she too is missed and loved by us. P&R

January 26, 2020

Heartfelt condolences to the family. May God give your heart peace and comfort.

Penny

January 26, 2020

Chris--Our thoughts are with you and we share in your loss. Andy will be missed. Please take care.

Rick Villastrigo

January 26, 2020

Andy, We were friends in junior high school who shared a passion for goofing around at the piano. It was a pleasure to reconnect in the last couple of years and to find that we still had much to share if only by email and letters. I'll always remember your consummate love of music. Rest in peace. My deepest sympathy to your family.

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