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Sheldon Biback Obituary
Sheldon (Shelly) Martin Biback passed away on June 27, 2013 in his home at the age of 87. Sheldon had a full productive and satisfying life blessed with enormous love, pride, and affection for his family. He valued ethical living, education, and Jewish traditions.
Sheldon is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Reva Rose Levy of Niagara Falls, NY., sister Phyllis Spivak (Manny) of Toronto, Canada, 3 children Cheryl Piha (Josef) of Seattle, WA, Greta Biback-Ballard (Thomas) of Portland, OR, Deborah Biback-Williams (Bruce) of Snohomish, WA, 5 grandchildren; Rebecca Piha (Paul Amato), Sarah Piha, Raphael Ballard, Ariel Biback, and Ariana Ballard and 2 great-grandsons Avram and Jake Amato. His sister Beverley Colman-Lokash passed away in 2009 in Toronto, Canada.
He had a lifelong interest in travel and visited all the continents including both the North and South Poles. His frequent visits to England and France were among his favorite destinations. Sheldon was a consummate linguist, fluent in French, Russian, Spanish, and Greek.
A polymath with a lifelong interest in history, politics, astronomy, mycology, flying, skiing, fishing, sailing, photography, gardening and wine making. He was an prodigious reader with a collection exceeding 3,000 books. He was a passionate Huskies fan who held football season tickets for over 40 years.
Sheldon was a supporter of the Arts; Seattle Symphony, Seattle Rep., Intiman, Seattle Opera, Ballet, and Chamber music. He was a patron of the Zoo, Aquarium, Pacific Science Center, Weitzman Institute, Holocaust Museum.
During the Korean war, Sheldon served as a Chief of OB for two years at Fort Lawton Hospital in Seattle before opening his private practice in 1956. During his 50 plus years as a practicing OBGYN, he served as Chief of OB staff at Doctors, Northwest, Virginia Mason, and Swedish Hospitals. When asked once how many babies he delivered, he replied, "I stopped counting at 10,000". He was also an excellent surgeon. After retiring, he served for 5 years as Medical Director of Planned Parenthood of Washington State. Sheldon was a strong proponent of women's rights and worked tirelessly in support of progressive legislation.
In addition Sheldon was also a Mohel, circumcising and blessing hundreds of boys.
He had an optimistic spirit, enthusiasm for life, learning and was sensitive to nature and most importantly cherished the beauty of all life. He will be missed by his family, colleagues, and many, many friends.
The funeral service and memorial will be held on
Sunday June 30th at 1:00pm. at:
Bikur Cholim Cemetery
1340 N. 115th ST.
Seattle, WA 98133
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sheldon's memory can be made to Planned Parenthood www.plannedparenthood.org or your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sheldon Biback
Sponsored by His loving daughter & son-in-law Cheryl & Joe Piha.
Darcy Clogston
December 15, 2022
Just one more comment on Dr. Biback. It is a strange and wonderful tribute that so many people still have to, simply have to, say something about this uncommon man so many years after his passing. I always felt that I was one of his very special patients but fully realize now that his unique gift was his ability to make so many feel that same wonderful bond - physician, healer, counselor and friend.
Honolulu, Hawaii
December 14, 2022
He saved my life in 1975 when I had cancer. I am now 73. I think of him often! R.I.P.
Darcy Clogston
July 4, 2022
Tonight, like so many times in the last 50+ years, my thoughts turned to Dr. Biback who was my doctor during my early years in Seattle. He delivered my son in 1967. I found his obituary and, although not surprised that he had passed, I am still very sad. He got me through some very rough times and I always think of him with kindness. His wife was his nurse at the time and was always so gracious. Even though so many years have passed since he left us, I need to say "thank you."
Valerie Parker
June 22, 2020
I always smile when I think of Dr. Biback...he was a wonderful man.
Valerie Parker
June 22, 2019
He was my Dr. for many years, delivered my 2 sons. He was a wonderful and caring man.
kris Delaney
October 4, 2017
I was thinking about Dr.Biback this morning and so went on line only to find out he had passed away several years ago. The last time I saw him was a chance meeting in a drug store shopping whichcould not have been too long before he passed away.
Dr. Biback delivered two of my three boys. My third son was born in 1988 and at that time he was no longer delivering babies,unfortunately. He was my OBGYN but so much more than that. He was my doctor. There was not a question you could that would be considered frivolous. He always took time to answer concerns and I remember him getting a book off his shelf to show me an illustration to alleviate my fears.
Can you imagine a doctor today apologizing for being delayed five minutes for your appointment time?! That was Dr. Biback!! I still tell people about my OBGYN who told me "I do not care, Kris, if your big toe hurts. If I can't help you I will find some one who can." That was the kind of doctor he was. Kind,caring and knowledgeable describe Dr. Biback.
Between my 1st and 2nd sons we lived in Steilacoom,Wa.for 4years. After having had an ovarian cyst removed by Dr. Biback, I was having trouble getting pregnant. He decided to do some tests and told me to call him on the first day of my cycle. This turned out to be a Saturday morning and would you believe he opened his office just to do the test.
He was the best doctor I have ever had and I am so thankful for having known him.
Kris Delaney
Valerie Larsen
November 1, 2016
Dr. Biback was an amazing man and I was honored to have him as my physician and proud to have him deliver my 2 sons at Northwest Hospital. He was more then just a Dr. to me...his guidance thru the years were irreplaceable. I think of him often still to this day. He is missed!
Joy Trigg
January 18, 2015
Dr. Biback delivered my first two children at Northwest Hospital in Seattle, in 1981 and 1983. He helped me through a hard time in my life, with discussions on life.
Shauna Fitzgerald
August 21, 2013
I was privileged to work with Shelly in my early days of working as a counselor in Planned Parenthood abortion services. I learned so much from him.
Sher Garfield
July 22, 2013
I was very sorry to learn of the loss of this wonderful Doctor. Without his help with infertility treatment, I would not have my precious son, who is now 26 years old. Dr. Biback was a wonderful, caring physician and person. I was not aware of so many aspects of his incredible life until I read his obituary. When he retired from practicing medicine, I found it difficult to find another physician who was even close to as caring and knowledgeable as he was. He did many wonderful things for his patients and the community and will be sorely missed.
George Martin
July 12, 2013
I was privileged to have been Shelly's friend for many decades. My late wife Julie was among his many adoring patients. Shelly's devotion to his patients was legendary; he was ALWAYS ready to take phone calls from them, sometimes even when examining another patient!Equally impressive was his closely knit family. One of my treasured memories is to have been invited to join Shelly, Reva and children at one of their traditional Friday evening Shabbats.
Much love, George
Elaine and Bill Epstein
July 7, 2013
We send our love and healing thoughts to Riva and family. We would like a contact address for Riva so we can send a more personal note and an acknowledgement for our PP donation. [email protected]
July 4, 2013
Bob and I were so very sad to hear of Shelly's passing. How we loved visiting with him on the phone and being with him when he came to Atlanta. Our heart goes out to all the family and we send our love to you. It is said that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. He was quite a man.
Pat and Bob
Bob and Peggy Weil
July 2, 2013
What great times we had, going to the Husky games by boat with Shelly! And sampling home-brew wines together!! We will miss our wonderful friend for those many years in Seattle.
Ruth Krauss
June 30, 2013
Many years ago Shelly was a mentor and role model. His courageous, persistent commitment to women's reproductive rights changed many lives for the better. He was erudite, cultured, generous, and above all, kind. Shelly's enthusiasm, for his work and for all the other things he loved, was contagious. My condolences to his family. Thank you for sharing him with us all those many years.
Janet Witsoe
June 30, 2013
My condolences to Dr. Biback's family. In the early 60's he delivered my two children and continued as my primary care, which included two surgeries, until his retirement. The obituary introduced me to his personal life and how amazing he was in countless ways. Thank you. I am proud to have known this wonderful man and for him to have played such an important role in my life.
June 30, 2013
What a great man. So many contributions to many people. He will be missed greatly. My heart felt hugs to all the family. Bretta
Barbara /rieman
June 30, 2013
What a fine man he was. Anyone who knew him will never forget him.
Shelby Gilje
June 29, 2013
My condolences to Dr. Biback's family. He delivered my 10-pound son, Kurt Nelson Gilje, who will celebrate his 44th birthday on July 1 this year. Dr. Biback was a great physician and friend.
Suzanne Poppema
June 29, 2013
Dr Biback was a valued and respected colleague, my deepest sympathies to his family
June 29, 2013
our thoughts are with you at this sad time.we remember the great time we had when we were in seattle. oh what a tour guide sue and harold benjamin
June 29, 2013
We will miss you and your eastern visits. Sandy & Jerry Pugrant the Villages , Florida
Megan Williams
June 29, 2013
My prayers go to his family. Dr. Biback was my doctor when I first went to the U in the 1970's. He was not only my OB-GYN he was my doctor. He saw me through cancer. He became my friend. He got me involved with politics. He made me understand that it was my duty to make the world a better place. He was absolutely the best and the world is a richer place for having had him in it.
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