Robert A. Backus
November 6, 1946 – October 15, 2022
A Private Celebration of Rob’s Life is being held. Please consider honoring Rob by shopping at the Friends Book Store in the Kalamazoo Public Library or any local bookstore. Friends and family may leave a condolence message at Joldersma-Klein.com.
Obituary
Rob was born in Kalamazoo on November 6, 1946, the son of Raymond and Maurine (Sears) Backus. He passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022, with his wife and daughter at his side. Rob graduated from Loy Norrix in 1964. He served in the U. S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1967. He attended Western Michigan University. Rob met his wife Pam, who survives him, in 1972 and they married in 1973. In 1975, their daughter Carrie (Kevin) Luteyn was born. Pam and Rob have three grandchildren who Rob absolutely adored, Alex, Olivia and Nolan. Rob worked for the U. S. Post Office for 27 years, retiring in 2005. The highlights in Rob’s life besides his being with his family was being a member of the Food Band, having his own radio show, Bright Moments, and writing a book entitled “Fire Music.” Rob will be greatly missed. Besides his wife, daughter and grandchildren, he is survived by his nieces and their families; several cousins and in-laws; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Ruth Kelly; and sister-in-law, Susan Jeffery.
Worked with Rob at the Post Office for more than 25 years. A cheerful man who never lacked words to say. He was someone I enjoyed talking with. He had many different interests. My condolences for his family. Rob will be remembered in my prayers.
I worked with Rob for 10+ years in Express Mail and the “letter aisle” at the post office. We had so many good talks and laughs over the years. He taught me a lot. We fell out of touch after retirement but I thought of him often. My deepest condolences to his family. Glenn Crow
Some of my best memories are playing with Rob in the Schultz Food Band for several years. Rob was a true gentleman with a mischievous touch. It was always a pleasure to play with him. He was older than me and took me under his wing. I have long missed him, his unconstrained approach to life, his fearlessness and his joy. Most of all I miss his kindness.
Rob and I were in the 1964 LNHS class. Rob had a quick wit and great sense of humor in school. When I ran into him in later years, he still had a bit of a twinkle in his eye and something to say. Rest in peace Rob.
Rob Backus was my friend and my inspiration. He knew what is important in life: family, people, justice. He treated every person with the respect and kindness they deserve. He was wise and funny and he loved whatever was good and true and beautiful. He lived lfe to the full and deeply enriched my life and the lives of so many others. I am grateful and I miss him.
hi – i´d like to mention a great little book, rob contributed as early as 1975. it´s simply called “fire music” and features a short but quite concise history of great black classical music, also known as jazz which obviously rob loved a lot. very good read. amazing amount of valuable information within 100 pages. also this one of the very first books written on free jazz. rob, i hope you can play your axe in heaven now, even if you won´t make it into the sun ra arkestra, which is totally overcrowded now. all the best from germany jochen