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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BACKMAN, Urho Victor (Vic) - (September 14 & 17, 1921 - April 11, 2024) - After a long and healthy life, Vic passed away peacefully with his daughter, Pam, at his side. He was laughing and joking just prior with the staff and residents of Roseview Retirement Home where he has resided for the last year and 9 months.
Vic was only 11 years old when his mother, Hilma, passed. Vic's older sister Vieno (Winnie) was 13 and helping their father bring up 4 children…..thus the reason for the 2 birthdays!
When he was 17, Vic joined the navy in 1942 as the cook aboard H.M.C.S. Trillium, a Corvette and served for 4 years. It was in Halifax that he met his future Scottish bride, Ada Vera MacDonald, and brought her to Fort William. They were married for over 70 years, until Ada passed in 2016, at the age of 93.
Vic worked at the Abitibi Mission Mill for 39 years, retiring at age 62 and enjoyed 41 years of retirement this March. On retirement, he took up downhill skiing (straight down no edges), bowling and golf which he enjoyed for many years. Although no carpenter, he finished his entire basement and carried all the lumber himself to build a deck on the home he lived in Green Acres for 64 years….at the age of 89! He took pride in his home and especially his lawn that many neighbours would comment was the best one in the crescent…something his daughter has aspired to emulate but never quite managed. His long-time physician, Dr. Mangatal, said he was the oldest patient she had and the physiotherapist at Roseview said he was the strongest man he had ever encountered. A true Finlander for sure!
Vic is survived by his daughter and caregiver, Pam Ward (John Currie) and her daughter Shelley (Jamie) and stepson Taylor (Alexis); daughter Bev Clarke (Russ deceased) and their children Dustin (son Lachlan) and Brett (Shannon); son Paul (Jacquie deceased) and their children Kyleigh (Kolby), Kassidy (Raini) and Austin (Samantha) and great grandchildren Walker, Fisher, Kahylia and Joseph; daughter-in-law Marlene Backman (Sandy deceased), grandchildren Kevin (Jacquie) and their children Derek and Matthew, and Kim Delonghi (Joe) and their children Ethan, Gavin and Tatum; nieces and nephews Brenda Albertini, Randy Albertini (Lorna), Edward Boutotte (Daryl), Rick (Luba) and their children, Penny Richards (Ken) and children and Fred Backman (Linda); and relatives Watson, Heather and Sandi.
Vic is predeceased by his parents, Viktor and Hilma; his wife Ada; son Sandy; infant baby daughter Bonnie Lynn; sisters Winnie Albertini, and Bertha Boutotte (Edward) and brother Arthur Backman (Isobel); and nieces Lori Mikus, Gwen Marshal and nephews Ken Albertini, Angus Backman and Rob Boutotte.
Vic was a role model for his 2 grandsons, Dustin and Brett, who lost their father when they were babies and would take them from school to Burger King every Wednesday for lunch. It always amazed him how much they could eat and how fast a $20 bill could disappear.
Many thanks to Dr. Mangatal for such excellent care of over the years and Bayshore and the caregivers that helped his daughter Pam enable Vic to stay in his own home until he was over 100 - especially Brian and William. Thanks also Bekkie and Fiona and the special staff from Roseview, especially Shova, Ken, Reny, Krystal, Jacqueline, Chrissy, Joseph, Pam and Luci.
A very special thanks to granddaughter, Shelley, who would look after Vic to give Pam and John a little much needed getaway from time to time, and learning Happy Birthday in Finn to sing at his 100th Birthday; to son, Paul, who would come to town from time to time to help with the heavier jobs around his home; and to his wonderful neighbours on Shamrock Crescent who always kept an eye out for him….so much appreciated. Pam would especially like to thank the awesome neighbours on Bentwood Drive for their love and support, The Police Pipeband for playing in Vic's driveway when Covid prevented any proper Remembrance Day Services, her Facebook friends for their support over the years and her partner, John Currie, for his love and support in helping her look after her mom and dad the last 12 years.
Sisu (see-sue) Finnish. (n) The extraordinary and indomitable Finnish spirit to never quit and go beyond all limitations especially in the face of extreme adversity. Vic was always happy and never complained about anything. It was always a joy to hear of his adventures (in his mind!) - biking up Mt McKay, walking or hitch hiking to BC or going on the war corvette with his buddies. Never a dull existence. Enjoy your new adventures Vic…..you have earned them!
Love from your family.
A private family graveside celebration will be held in the summer, which is what he wanted.
Have a glass of red wine at 4pm every day and you may live to almost 103 as well!! (The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal 20 Apr 2024)
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