Wilfried Backhaus

I just found out that Wilf has died. Wilf and I cowrote a column for the University of Calgary student newspaper. the Gauntlet, in the late 1960's, called "A Grain of Salt" with Bread and Water (he was bread, I was water) and we also spent many pleasant hours playing board and tabletop war games. I always intended to re-establish contact, but never got around to it, to my lasting regret.

My condolences to Christine and the rest of Wilf's family

Dear Chris and family,
I am very sorry to hear of Wilf's death. (I just found out today.) I am
still having trouble grasping it. I enjoyed our weekly talks and learned much from him over the years. He was a very intelligent, learned, imaginative with anoriginality which I have rarely encountered in my life. I am glad to have known Wilf.

Chris and Family:

So sorry to hear about Wilf. Wish we could have been there this past week but circumstances did not allow us to get away. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

Belatedly, but with prayers and our hope in the eternal love of God, Chris, we remember our visits with you and Wilf over the years. These include thickening gravy with bread crumbs as Wilf shared his love of all things medieval. May an abundance of good and happiness be in Wilf's new life with and in God.
Brian and Kathy Inglis

Chris, Marie Claire and Kyle We are truly truly sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies.

Sean, Sarah and I share our thoughts and prayers with the family during this time of loss. Wilf's enthusiasm for life and quest for knowledge inspired so many. His legacy will live on with us as we continue to learn and laugh.

I only knew Wilf Backhaus for 22 months but if my association with him were measured by its impact on me it would be closer to 22 years. He was at first my employer, but then became my teacher and finally friend. I trust he will find poetry in the Ultimate Palace of Wisdom.

I could have listened all night and still have learned some more.

Very sad to see this happen, it's been a hard time for anyone to go through Chris, my thoughts for you and all the family. Wilf will be sorely missed by many, his wit and charm are only surpassed by a great imagination, his sense of family, and a most honourable spirt. God Bless.

Very sorry for your loss. Wilf (Sir Conrad) was an inspiration for all who knew him and a fount of knowledge. Ken and I respected Conrad and his knowledge. It is hard to believe he won't be there when we have questions. Both of you helped us a lot during the past 25 years. Joan and Ken, James and Robert Reader, Leduc, Alberts. Chris, your Sergeants for ever.

Christine, thanks so much for letting us know. This has been a long hard trip for you all. Wilf was one of the best people with a monologue that I have ever met; I think he could have carried on effortlessly for hours, just wandering from topic to topic. We will be praying for you in the time ahead.
coleen metcalfe

Uncle Wilf was an inspiration to me and many others. He truly was the embodiement of a life-long learner- he valued knowledge and the pursuit of knowledge, and shared this with everyone around him. he was such a brilliant man- even after receiving an English degree myself, he still knew way more about literary theory than I, and I suspect more than most English Profs. He was a teacher, and with that I will take a part of him into my own teaching, and especially into our shared love of the science fiction genre. Uncle Wilf- you truly had a wonderful life, with the most intelligent, loving, kind, caring wife (how many people these days can say they have been married for 39 years), wonderful children, who are both incredibly smart. I will miss our discussions on great novels, movies, literary theories. I will miss your kindness, your support- there will never be anyone in this world quite like you! I am glad you are with God, pain free, and watching over those who love you. Requiescat in pace.

Love Erin