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DAVID BACKUS Obituary
DAVID A. BACKUS "Dave" (Age 70)
David Backus of the Glencarlyn Neighborhood in Arlington, Va., died on Monday, December 12, 2016, in the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Maxine Backus; their daughter, Adriana, both of Arlington, and his brother Alan Backus of Los Angeles, California. David was active in community affairs, currently serving as President (and had been past President) of the Glencarlyn Citizens' Association. Dave was a native of Glencarlyn, where members of his family have lived since the 1890's. His passions were swimming and sharing his memories of early days in Arlington. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m.on Thursday, December 22, 2016, at Clarendon United Methodist Church in Arlington, Virginia. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to the American Cancer Society and earmarked for esophageal cancer research.
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Memories and Condolences
for DAVID BACKUS
Paul & Sue Nuhn
December 20, 2016
In memory.
Dave was a force in our neighborhood. His leadership in community affairs for public good brought many good natured and humorous discussions on many topics throughout the years. Dave was a good friend to all of us. His charm shall live on in our hearts and minds. Bless him.
Steve Veerhoff
December 20, 2016
Dave was a great neighbor, and I always loved his tales of the history of Glen Carlyn, as well as his short chats. I will miss his presence greatly.
Liza Hodskins
December 20, 2016
I am so sad to hear this. I never met Dave, but always 'delayed' one of the newsletters that came to the County Board office to read his reminiscences. I will miss those.
JACK TURNER
December 20, 2016
Dave was a great guy. I loved the way he would give me advice in such a tactful way.
For example, one day he walked up when I was trying to do an economical - some would say cheap - repair on our old truck's cracked alternator cap. "What do you think ?", I asked Dave, who was quite an adept mechanic. Dave said, "Well, old Mr. Thompson (I can't remember the real name) was fixing his customer's beat up jalopies for years with anything he could find in his shop. Now, Mr. Thompson would probably take a screw and a washer and put it right here..."
Dave was really telling me how he would fix the problem if it was his truck- and at little expense. But, by referencing ol' Mr. Thompson, he told me in a way that completely side-stepped his, and my, ego. Brilliant! He knew how our foolish, manly pride could interfere with our hearing, and our learning. And the fix worked!
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JACK TURNER
December 20, 2016
Dave was a great guy. I loved the way he would give me advice in such a tactful way.
For example, one day he walked up when I was trying to do an economical - some would say cheap - repair on our old truck's cracked alternator cap. "What do you think ?", I asked Dave, who was quite an adept mechanic. Dave said, "Well, old Mr. Thompson (I can't remember the real name) was fixing his customer's beat up jalopies for years with anything he could find in his shop. Now, Mr. Thompson would probably take a screw and a washer and put it right here..."
Dave was really telling me how he would fix the problem if it was his truck- and at little expense. But, by referencing ol' Mr. Thompson, he told me in a way that completely side-stepped his, and my, ego. Brilliant! He knew how our foolish, manly pride could interfere with our hearing, and our learning. And the fix worked!
Judith
December 19, 2016
My condolences go out to the family of Dave. He was my agent for over 10 years and always at the ready when I had any issues or questions. He was a kind and mild gentleman. Your loss will be great and may God give you solace.
Jacki Rizzo
December 19, 2016
Max and Adri I was shocked to read of Dave's passing. I was just thinking of you guys and wondering what this year's Christmas holly would arrive on my door! I was at the Doctor last week and looked for you to say hi. AFC sent an email to members. I loved running into Dave at the pool. I'll miss him and the birthday dinners. Healing Hugs. 70 is still too young to leave us. Jacki
Ira Schuman
December 18, 2016
Dave was a very very good man. I met him in 1989-90 while training for long term care sales. He had a great personality, always friendly always calm...a joy to know!
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