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Ralph Backa Obituary

Ralph W. Backa

Ralph W. Backa was born on November 6, 1927, at Deaconess Hospital (now Columbus). He passed away July 6, 2013, at Benefis Senior Center with

his wife, Joyce, of nearly 60 years holding his hand. During those 85+ years he led a full, interesting life.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 11, at Croxford Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be in the Highland Cemetery military section.

His dad tried farming during the hard times and went to construction and mining leading to attendance at many schools. Ralph started school in Geyser while living with grandparents. Other schools followed: Wheeler, Yellowstone Park, Glacier Park, Butte, where he graduated from the eighth grade. Four years of high school in Neihart where he graduated as Valedictorian of his class of seven.

After three years of work, he decided there had to be something better so he enrolled at Montana State University, now U of M. He majored in education and enrolled as an Air Force ROTC candidate, graduating in 1953. During the senior year, he was square dancing as well as calling square dances and this was how he and Joyce met! They were married in October while Ralph was using his degree to teach school in Wilsall.

He became active in the Air Force in June of '54 reporting to Lackland AFB, TX for induction and then school at a base in Denver. Future home bases included Lincoln, NE; more schooling in Denver and Indian Head, Maryland; Thule, Greenland, Springfield, Massachusetts; a base near Oxford, England; Kincheloe AFB in upper Michigan; two tours at Barksdale AFB, LA with a one year tour at U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand. During this 22 year career he served in Strategic Air Command, specifically in Munitions from loading officer to Squadron Commander, Weapons Inspector and retired as Director of Munitions, HQ2nd Air Force. His duties were recognized as he earned a Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, a Bronze Star and wore a Master Munitions Badge. He was very proud of his Air Force Career. During retirement, two of his past commanders told us he was the best inspector they had every had.

Following retirement, Ralph has his own Home Repair business; kept very busy and had to say "no" to jobs so he could come to Montana to hunt and fish. He made the trip for many years before actually moving to Craig. He and Joyce also worked as tellers at several horse race tracks in the south, Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Oklahoma and for several years during the Kentucky Derby at Church Hill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Being part time work, they enjoyed travel, visiting friends, playing cards, Ralph was a "champ" at many games. He became a "farmer" when he moved to Montana in '91. Dahlias became a favorite of his and he raised many of them along with roses, glads, and vegetables; especially potatoes. He enjoyed giving talks to garden clubs about the raising of his dahlias. Favorite activities were fishing and hunting

and many, many meals at his home were made up of wild game as well as produce from his garden. He became an avid Grizzly fan, shot the cannon at games for many years; only missed three home games since 1996 and traveled to many our of state games, including Championships. Look at his car!

The family included son Curt, a Sports writer at the Tribune who began the bowling column. He fought cancer but lost in July of 2011. Phyllis is a retired teacher in Bossier City. She works as a representative of Graduate Sales, Inc.; still working with young people. Richard is a Senior Project Executive with a concrete contractor in the Tampa, Fl. area.

Other family members include a nephew and niece, Kevin Schmid (Debbie) and Holley and Tanner of Great Falls, Karen Schmid Rider (Ken) Kyle and Kris of Colorado Springs, CO.

Preceding him were parents, Charles and Lempi Backa, Son Curt; sister and brother-in-law Darlene and Ron Schmid.

Memorials may be made to according to the donors choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Great Falls Tribune on Jul. 10, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Backa

Not sure what to say?





Pam Peterson Collins

July 16, 2013

Phyllis, I am so sorry for your loss. I think of you often.

Russ & Linda Say

July 14, 2013

Dear Kevin & Debbie & Your Family -
Our sincere thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy for your loss. May Ralph rest in peace and may it comfort you to know others are thinking of you.
May God Bless - Russ & Linda

Mark and Floy Hebert

July 13, 2013

It was truly a honor to have known Ralph. We had a lot of great memories. Joyce, Phyllis, and Rich you have our thoughts and prayers. I always enjoyed visiting with Ralph.

Rudy & Vera Deason

July 12, 2013

Dear Joyce and Phyllis..We are so sorry for your lose of Ralph..it has been a long time we kasted say ya'll, but the great and happy memories are still here.the square dancingdown at Bill, Jessie, Dick and Grace Mary's place..dinners at Lucille, Eugene, Booty and Shirley's place and Saturday night dinners at Big Pines..all those times were so great...Our family's wish for you is ...We wish you comfort, the feeling that comes from knowing how much others care for you..The support of knowing there's always someone you can call if you need to..hope the strength that comes from knowing that not even the deepest sadness can last forever...the power that comes from believing in the possibility that happiness lies ahead for you ...Peace..the calm that comes from trusting in something beyond yourself...the ease that comes from surrendering worry and anxiety to a greater power! These things we wish for you especially now..with love and sympathy! GOD BLESS
Rudy, Vera, Dick and Pennie Deason

For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud

July 12, 2013

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Ralph W. Backa our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Ralph. And to Ralph it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during the Vietnam War while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Ralph, we commend you for your honorable service. You are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,261 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Ralph's family and loved ones.

Stephen J. Lavery, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

James Maziarz, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101

Marian Finehirsh

July 12, 2013

My thoughts & prayers are with the family of Ralph Backa

Marian Finehirsh

July 12, 2013

My thoughts & prayers go out to the family. Mr. Ralph Backa rest in peace.

Marian Finehirsh
(Richard)

Patsy Bryant

July 11, 2013

I am so sorry about Ralph's passing. He had the cuties smile, he loved it when we gave him ice cream. He will be missed.

Mike Dempsey

July 10, 2013

Very sorry to hear of Ralphs passing. enjoyed drinks and dinner with him and Joyce at my stepmothers home, always a great conversation usually ending up with the latest on the GRIZZLYS.Condolances to Joyce and family Really a great guy.

karla jacobson merenz

July 10, 2013

MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO MY FAMILY

July 10, 2013

Dearest Joyce - it is with heartfelt sorrow that I heard of Ralph's passing. We truly enjoyed all the visits with you and Ralph and those wonderful Tom and Jerry moments! Please know that we are thinking of you, sending you prayers of strength and peace, and hope that one day our paths will cross again - Robin, Debbie and Elliot Thomas, Hot Springs, Arkansas

Lisa Black

July 10, 2013

Phyllis is a dear friend of mine and she speaks often about her Dad... After reading this wonderful obituary I see why she loves him so. He must have been an amazing man!!! God bless this family!!!

July 10, 2013

Having graduated from Wilsall H.S May 1954,& joining the USAF in June 1954, I had a surprise visit while in basic training at Lackland AFB from a brand new 2nd Lt. Ralph Backa. What a guy, a former teacher & coach from Wilsall I couldn't believe it. Our 20 + yr. career paths were very similar. and we met many times in Craig post retirement. Great Memorys, Thank you Ralph and God Bless. Bill Hembree, USAF RET

July 10, 2013

Ralph, you will be sorely missed by your many friends in the Canyon Club at Griz games. I can't even imagine not seeing your smiling face and a your hearty Go Griz cheer! You fought the good fight and have earned your rest.

Colleen Marks

Darci & Doug Neil

July 10, 2013

Joyce & Family - so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing..........I know he will be missed by many. We'll miss seeing him out in the yard as we drive by!

Dennis Gerke

July 10, 2013

Ralph was a good friend and supporter of the Geyser Wranglers! I will always remember him as a sports guy, basketball guy, and loyal fan, but most of all as a friend. I have fond memories of Ralph visiting with him before and after our basketball games in Geyser from 2000-2005 when I served as the basketball coach there. Thanks Ralph for always having your support!

Dennis Gerke
Former Supt./BB Coach
Geyser Wranglers 2000-2005

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