Steven Backes Obituary

Steven Paul Backes Nov 10, 1953 - Dec. 26, 2009 Resident of Crockett Our wonderful Steve passed "Into the Light" at 4:20 p.m. He was 56 years. His last Christmas was truly a Loving time for him at home. Everyone rallied around Steve as he peacefully left us all. On November 1, 2009 Steve received a long awaited liver transplant but cancer was hiding waiting to quickly take over, soon after the surgery. His body finally surrendered his soul over to God as he bravely met his challenge. We will all miss him more than these words can say. Steven was born to Lorraine (Lewis) and Victor Backes in Marshall Minnesota. He grew up in Albert Lea, Minnesota, where at a very young age started his trek as a famed carpenter. In the late 70's he moved with his first wife Cynthia Rayman Backes to Phoenix, AZ to build many desert homes. His present, 2nd wife Cary England Backes, brought him to the Bay Area in 1988 where he evolved into the high end, General Contracting Industry. He enthusiastically loved every one of his projects and all of the people involved. Steve was full of love and was a brilliant, funny, sensitive great man. Everyone he touched can attest. We're sure he's on his Harley in the heavens. Steve is survived by his wife Cary England Backes, his two sisters and their husbands, Judy and Dennis Smith and family, Linda and Duane Penning and family; his daughter and husband Lisa Hawkins and Danny Bizoti; his two stepsons John Bischoff and Aren Bischoff, Zac Bischoff and Sherie Martinez; his three grand children Riley Bischoff, Dakota and Xoey Bizoti. A service to honor Steve will be held on Sunday January 17th at 12:30 P.M. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church 800 Pomona St. Crockett, CA 94525. A reception at 1301 Pomona St. will follow the service. Thank you. Please make all donations to the American Cancer Society.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 9 to Jan. 11, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Backes

12 Entries

January 22, 2010

To my Steve, I am walking on surreal grounds. Now that you are not here I cannot seem to touch the ground we walked together. My life will never be the same since you are gone. My heart is broken and I miss you so. So many people love and miss you. Your Cary Forever.

Larry and Etta Hawkins

January 18, 2010

It has been a privilege to have known Steve. He was a caring and wonderful man. Our condolences to Cary and the family.

Nancy Jackson

January 17, 2010

Steve...you were smart, funny, accomplished, a very hard worker and a loving human being. Those of us who knew you Steve knew your spiritual side as well. Steve I will think you everytime I give a haircut because that was when I got to really know you.

Until we all meet again,

Madeline Connor

January 17, 2010

Dear Steve, you will be so missed by all. A brilliant spirit here and n ow afar you light our way and leave us with fond and loving memories. Cary ,Johno, Zach and all the family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Peace and Love,Madeline,John,Vivienne and Simone.

Joe Lewis

January 14, 2010

Dear Cary, we didnt know Steve well,but he was always so friendly and Kind, when we would see you two together. He will be missed ! He is now in Gods memory ! And God promises, in his word, that we have a hope of seeing our loved ones again. We wish that for you Cary . Love Joe & Mary Lewis

Gail Price

January 14, 2010

Steve, 17 years have passed since you handed carpenter bags to Erin. So many days, parties, and years later, we're saying farewell to you. You were a decent, honest man, and it was our good fortune and a pleasure being associated with you: a master craftsman, a fine builder and a superlative friend.

Pepper Rae

January 13, 2010

Dear Steve,
You are a wonderful friend and neighbor. I will miss your back fence philosophy and your incredible sense of humor. The world won't be the same without you. I wish you a happy journey.
Sincerely, Pepper

January 13, 2010

Dear Cary and John-0:
There is a new star lighting our way and we call him Steve. So young, so precious and endearing beyond words. Our hearts and prayers go out to your entire family.
Warm Hugs,
Annie and Norm

Sherry Sheehan

January 12, 2010

Condolences to Cary and family and appreciation for the good writeup about Steve, who was way too young to leave our realm. He was one terrific guy. I'll be at St. Mark's Sunday along with most of Crockett, I'm sure.

Jeff & Nancy Wheeler

January 12, 2010

Cary,

We are so sorry that Steve lost the battle with his health.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

You are in our thoughts and prayers...

Marian Baldwin

January 10, 2010

So sad to call after the holidays to learn that Steve had lost his valiant fight of the past few years. I'll miss our random conversations about family, construction, and musings of Life's lessons learned!
One memory of Steve does led me to wonder what does connect people? Is there some kind of a subliminal energy field that we pick up on occasionally? Dunno...but I was climbing my stairs one day after work and paused at a landing. For no apparent reason, I reached over and lifted up a small pot that had been sitting there for months, uncovering a set of keys (not mine). Figuring they must belong to him, I called Steve that night. Steve couldn't believe that I had discovered the keys. He explained how just that day he carefully picked a spot in the yard where no one would likely look for keys, and made sure nothing looked disturbed. Perhaps it's silly and minor, but I still can't explain why I was drawn to walk over and pick up that pot!!!
My thoughts and love are with Cary, John (who helped build my house), and the rest of Steve's family and friends.

nancy and terry souza

January 10, 2010

to know Steve was to know unconditional love. our family will miss his smile and his spirit.
our love and condolences go out to Cary and the rest of the family.
we won't say goodbye because you will live forever in our hearts.

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