Leonard Ivan Backman
March 26, 1922 - November 30, 2016
Obituary
Leonard Ivan Backman
Leonard Ivan Backman was born March 26, 1922 in Bismarck, ND and passed away November 30, 2016 in Renton, WA at the age of 94. Leonard grew up on a farm in Wilton, ND and learned the value of hard work at a young age. He served as a Technical Sergeant in the Army during WWII in New Guinea and the Philippines, and was on his way to Japan when the war ended. He then married his high school sweetheart, Adeline Waddington, who had waited 39 months for him to come home. They worked on the family farm for a while before coming out to the Seattle area. Leonard worked for 36 years at the Public Health Hospital in Seattle as the groundskeeper. He took much pride in his job, receiving awards for his work and even being flown to Washington DC to be recognized and receive the “Administrator’s Award for Excellence”. Upon his retirement, Mayor Royer signed a proclamation declaring it “Leonard Backman Day” in Seattle. Leonard continued to enjoy running his own lawn care business after retirement for several years. He was a faithful worker at his church, teaching, leading singing, working as the treasurer and serving for many years on the board. He worked countless hours helping to build the new church. He always enjoyed hard work and was always ready to help someone with any task. Leonard is survived by his brother Ray (Marge) Backman, two daughters Donna Lombardi and Cindy (Kevin) Sheely, grandson Darren (Michelle) Lombardi, granddaughter Kaylen Sheely, two great-grandsons, Brian, and Emory, and a great-granddaughter Ashlyn. Leonard was preceded in death by his wife Adeline, his brother Myron and grandson Douglas. Visitation Friday December 9th from 2:00 – 5:00pm, with the Funeral Service Saturday, December 10th at 11:00am, all at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac WA 98188.
Dear Cindy and Family: Sending my sincere condolences and prayers to your family at the loss of your amazing father. May the Lord comfort you and console you all during this difficult time. Blessings!
Uncle Leonard was one of my favorite people. I remember visiting him and Auntie Adeline when I was younger. I loved seeing her teddy bears and getting his hugs! I couldn’t believe that such an old man could be that strong! He had such a spirit about him. I’m grateful he is with his sweetheart again. I’m grateful to have had him as part of my life. I pray for the comforts of heaven on all his family and friends with his passing. God be with you, Uncle Leonard, till we meet again!
I was very lucky to have such a wonderful Dad. He never raised his voice at Cindy or me, nor did he ever raise his voice at my mom. We were not wealthy, by the worlds standards, but we were wealthy, beyond words, for being in this family. Cindy and I were able to spend a lot of time with Dad, in the last year and even though his body had failed, his mind and heart, hadn’t. I will miss him terribly, but I know that he is rejoicing with the Lord.
My condolences to Cindy and Donna and their families. I had the pleasure of knowing your Dad and Mom through church. They were both very kind and generous people and will be deeply missed.