Lawrence (Larry) Backe
1946 – 2015
A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at St. Hubert Catholic Church, 804 Third St., Langley, WA. A lunch reception will follow at noon at the Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club, 3334 Brooks Hill Road, Langley, WA. Larry’s family has been informed that a scholarship will be awarded in his name. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Larry may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #11357 mailing address: c/o St. Hubert’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 388, Langley, WA 98260. Please note: Scholarship Fund.
Lawrence Edward Backe (Larry) passed away on the last day of his 68th year, March 7, 2015, with his family by his side on Whidbey Island, Wash., after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Indiana, March 8, 1946, Larry spent his formative years in Crown Point, Ind. He graduated from Andrean High School, Merrillville, Ind., in 1964, and received his bachelor’s degree in industrial management from Purdue University in 1968. After working for the Ford Motor Company in Illinois as an accountant, Larry was called to serve his country in the United States Army March 1969 through February 1971. Larry earned the bronze star medal for distinguishing himself through meritorious service in connection with military operations against hostile forces in Vietnam while serving as an Army first lieutenant, assigned as an assistant operations officer for headquarters company, U.S. Army strategic communications command, signal support agency, Phu-Lam, Vietnam.
In 1971, Larry met his future wife, Janet Smith, and they were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Crown Point, Ind., February 1972. Larry resumed his professional career with Ford Motor Company until 1975, when Larry and Janet relocated to Washington state. Larry pursued his passion of cars and his hobby as a mechanic by owning a Shell Service Station in Bellevue, Wash. In 1979 he began his long and distinguished career with United Parcel Service, Seattle, retiring as a regional manager in 2001.
Larry and Janet moved to Whidbey Island after retirement and spent many enjoyable years traveling in their RV, enjoying many dog and beach walks and working on their acreage and home in Clinton, Wash. As well as a car enthusiast and avid Mariners and Seahawks fan, Larry also pursued his passion of wine making.
Larry served as the scholarship chair with the St. Hubert’s Knights of Columbus Langley Council #11357. Prior, he served many years as the chair for the Knights’ Island County Fair booth. His donation of time and treasure to his faith never faltered and will be remembered by his friends and family as a devout Catholic who valued family, home and friends. His children, son Christopher and daughter Brenna, will remember him as a very loving father who encouraged them to pursue their education and careers but to always value who they are first. Larry’s children, family, friends and neighbors will also remember his sense of humor and his positive, kind and gentle nature to enjoy life and people. His presence will be truly missed every day; however, his wonderful spirit will remain in their hearts always.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, William and Marie Backe. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Christopher, Brenna (husband Jay Allaghi); siblings, sister Rene Backe, Tom (Carrie) Backe, Ray (Peggy) Backe and Loretta (Butch) Kaiser; Janet’s siblings, Vivienne (Bob) Sward, David (Kay) Smith and Mike Smith; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and his adored four-legged friend, Misty.
