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Spokane, Washington

Andrew BACKLUND Obituary

Andrew Frank Backlund, known more affectionately as Drew, was born on June 30, 1943, in San Francisco, CA, to Andrew Frank James III 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 stepfather, Fred Backlund, and his mother, Mary Bell, attending Jefferson, Hutton, St. George's, 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 his 1957 Ford with the Edsel taillights 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 his beloved grandfather, Claude Bennett, and worked as a well-known 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 Drew's design, most notably, the Shotgun Exhaust Muffler which he sold all over the world and was awarded a U.S. 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 Drew's custom built 42' triple engine Fountain powerboat, enjoying a vast network of friends and family.

Drew's last few years slowed due to complications from COPD, but he looked forward to Friday lunches at Morty's 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; daughters, Helen Baker of Auburn and Heather Spodnick; his brothers, Steve Backlund of Spokane, Lee Backlund, Joseph James of Gooding ID, and Ashley James; and sisters, 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, at 11AM, at the Hennessy Funeral Home on Division Street in Spokane, WA.

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

Published by Spokesman-Review on Apr. 27, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew BACKLUND

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6 Entries

Shelby Morgan

May 15, 2025

I´m so sorry for your loss, I was so sad to hear of his passing. My grandpa (Dick Morgan) was very fond of Drew, it was always a pleasure visiting with him when my grandpa would have me in tow.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

The Benson Family

Sent Flowers

JJ

May 4, 2025

A great guy and prankster RIP J

Henry and Pattie Wozow

April 28, 2025

We hope you are filled with memories of Drew. He was a larger than life figure and will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Henry/Pattie Wozow and family

Planted Trees

Dick Westerman

April 27, 2025

Sorry to see you go Drew. Liked that 840 horse motor you had built for my boat years ago. That 28 footer did 90 mph on Lake Pend O Reille one night coming back from thr Floating Restaurant. Wish the best
for Cathy and your son.

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Memorial Events
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May

10

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Hennessey Funeral Home - Division

2203 North Division St, Spokane, WA 99207

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Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory - Division Street

2203 North Division Street, Spokane, WA 99207

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