Andrew F Backlund

Andrew Frank Backlund, known more affectionately as Drew, was born on June 30,1943 in San Francisco, California to Andrew Frank James lll and Mary Bell Bennett. He passed away April 18, 2025 at home with his wife Cathryn by his side.
He was raised in Spokane by his step father Fred Backlund and his mother Mary Bell, attending Jefferson, Hutton, St Georges, and Lewis and Clark High School, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout during this time. He graduated from LC in 1961. Many will still remember is 1957 Ford with the Edsel tail lights terrorizing the streets of Spokane.
Drew entered the USMC in 1961 at the urging of then LC Vice Principal Will Donner and was honorably discharged from the Reserves in 1969. Drew credited the Marines with his discipline, drive, and all the successes in his life.
After USMC Reserve training concluded, he moved to Las Vegas NV with his best friend George Wallace where he bartended at the Thunderbird Hotel.
Seattle was his next stop where he worked under Danny Harkins at Lucky Lager Distributors. Drew ultimately moved back to Spokane to be near is beloved grandfather, Claude Bennett and worked as a well know beer salesman for B&B Distributors winning many national sales contests and forming quite the reputation.
The 1970s found Drew campaigning his SK circle boat Stone Gone throughout this area, Canada, and California. He became the master of building high performance Fords but was best known for his Boss 429 engines.
In 1980, B&B was sold, Drew was fired by new management, and his sole focus became Drew Marine which sold several products of Drews design, most notably, the Shotgun Exhaust Muffler which he sold all over the world and was awarded a US Patent for in 1986.
Drew was briefly married to Linda Leonard Backlund of Spokane in the late 70s. While the marriage failed, he maintained a lifetime of respect for her.
In July 1989, Drew met Cathryn Reid from Wilbur WA, a woman 27 years his junior. Marrying May 21, 1994, they spent almost 36 years together, just missing their 31st wedding anniversary. This union provided Drew with his biggest blessing and source of immense pride, his son, Andrew Reid Backlund, born in October of 1995. Drew loved going on Boy Scout trips and following him from gymnasium to gymnasium watching him wrestle all the way to the state championship match in 2014. Their bond as adults was undeniable.Drew was an amazing father to an equally amazing son.
Drew, Cathy, and Andrew spent every summer on Lake Coeur d Alene, roaring around in Drews custom built 42 triple engine Fountain powerboat, enjoying a vast network of friends and family.
Drews last few years slowed due to complications from COPD, but he looked forward to Friday lunches at Mortys on the South Hill where he met with a large group of friends. You guys know who you are and he loved you all!
Drew is survived by his wife and companion of 36 years, Cathryn, his son Andrew of Spokane, son Christian Naboa of San Diego, and daughters Helen Baker of Auburn and Heather Spodnick; His brothers Steve Backlund of Spokane, Lee Backlund, Joseph James of Gooding ID, and Ashley James. Sister Claudia Morehead, Newport Beach, CA and Cathi James of Gooding ID.
Drew formed many close friendships throughout the years most notably, the late Gary Rhoads, Robert "Doc" Holliday, and lifelong friend George Wallace of Houston. He is deeply missed by those he left behind.
A Celebration of a Life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 @ 11AM at the Hennessy Funeral Home on Division Street in Spokane WA.
Services
Celebration of Life
Saturday
May 10, 2025
11:00 AM
Hennessey Funeral Home - Division
2203 North Division St
Spokane, WA 99207 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Andrew, please visit our Tree Store.