Gary Robert Backus, 73, died September 10, 2020 at his home.
Gary was born on December 1, 1946, the son of Ray and Marie Backus. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1964. He later graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree.
He married the love of his life, Karen L. Bauman on June 22, 1968 at St. Johns Catholic Church in Benton Harbor. They made their home in Petoskey. Gary and Karen had two sons, Charles Matthew Backus and Andrew Joseph Backus.
Gary began work as a Registered Medical Technologist at Northern Michigan Hospital in 1969 and stayed there for the duration of his career (totally 40 years). Gary made many good friends and touched many lives along the way. He was loved by all who met him. He was a well known and dedicated fan of Notre Dame and an exemplary father, always making time to play ball, go fishing, or watch the game with his sons. He loved his children and grandchildren beyond words and gave of himself whenever he could.
Gary is survived by his son Andrew "Andy" Joseph (Kimberly Mead) Backus; daughter-in-laws, Terri Backus Minor and Meadow Backus; grandchildren, Nicholas and Zachary, sons of Charles and Terri, Emily and Alexandra, daughters of Andrew and Meadow, and Jack Mead, son of Kimberly Mead. He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen, on March 9, 2016 and their eldest son, Charles on February 24, 2001; as well as his parents Raymond and Marie Backus.
There will be a visitation at Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey on Monday, September 14, 2020 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. While inside the funeral home, all attendees will need to please follow the CDC guidelines and the state mandate for social distancing and wearing a mask. A graveside service will take place at Greenwood Cemetery the following day, Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. Father Greg McCallum will officiate.
Donations in Gary's memory may be made to McLaren Hospice or to his family c/o Andrew Backus.
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