William Carl Backman

September 17, 1942 - February 5, 2025

Bill was born and raised in Winnipeg and lived there most of his life. He is predeceased by his parents Emil William Backman and Mary Backman (nee Scalena), his loving wife Enid, daughter Leigh, and Enid’s parents, Kitty and Bill Aiken.  

He is survived by his son Tony and daughter -in-law Melanie, grandson Rick Gushuliak, great grandsons Dominick and Kayden Twoheart, sister Judith Murchison, nephew Damon Murchison and many relatives and friends. 

Bill was an original and threw himself into anything he endeavoured to do with passion and commitment. He had a very successful career as an English and Drama teacher, most notably at Sturgeon Creek Collegiate. He was often referred to by former students as “my favourite teacher.” 

In his early career he enjoyed coveted overseas assignments and with wife Enid and young Tony and Leigh they relocated to Newcastle on Tyne and later to Baden Baden, Germany where he taught the children of Canadian Air Force personnel. These postings afforded the young family the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe. 

Back home in Winnipeg they settled into the family home on Guildford Street in St. James. Bill enjoyed a variety of social activities that kept him busy with his many friends and family. He played guitar in a band with son Tony (on drums) and fellow teachers at Sturgeon Creek Collegiate(Jeff,Berry,Brad,Darren and Jan). They were called the Incontinentals and had a good four year run playing at private parties and wedding socials.

Summers were spent at the family cottage at Brerton Lake in the Whiteshell where Bill managed to repair, reuse and recycle long before it became fashionable. The cottage was his pride and joy and he spent many happy hours renovating the property. He learned woodworking from his father- in- law and built porches and gazebos at the lake and remodelled the attic at his home on Guildford with son Tony. 

He was a voracious reader, a lover of culture, travel and a gifted artist like his Dad, Emil, both true renaissance men. Lush scenery anywhere he could find it and the view of the lake at Brerton inspired Bill’s work and his landscapes were really beautiful. From his Mom, Mary he inherited his dry humor, love of people, sense of fun and passion for card games. Bill really enjoyed his monthly poker games with the guys. 

He loved to organize events and bring people together. When Enid passed away he inspired a family tradition on the Italian side of the family (Scalena) and created the Pasta Classic, an annual golf tournament and family dinner and dedicated it to Enid’s memory. Sometimes there were four generations in attendance and we were thrilled to have the only surviving member of the oldest generation present, Auntie Lorraine, who is still going strong in her nineties. 

As he had done previously with son Tony, and grandson Rick, in his later years he devoted much of his time to his great grandsons Kayden and Dominick. He delighted in their accomplishments and cheering them on at their hockey and lacrosse games. 

Despite the sadness he bore in losing loved ones over the years and the many health challenges he endured, he was a lion of a man, (sometimes he roared) and fiercely proud. He will be remembered by the many people who loved him as a loyal friend, a highly individual and gifted guy and a brave shoulder to lean on in a storm.     

When in long term care he enjoyed visits from family and many hours spent with his friend Linda (Mooley) when they would “dine” on home-made egg salad sandwiches (his favourite) and play canasta as they reminisced. He enjoyed seeing Rick and Louise Wilding who came often, bringing goodies and cheer. And Melanie, his beloved daughter- in-law and our angel on earth, eased his mind and assisted with his physical challenges with her constant devotion and care. 

We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Oakview Place for the loving care they gave to Bill in his last five months. 

In keeping with Bill’s wishes there will not be a funeral. A private celebration of life will take place in the future and family and friends will receive an invitation when the date and details are finalized. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Bill’s favourite charity, Cancer Care Canada will be appreciated. 

Soar with the Eagles, Bill. You are free now.    

Branch & Pyre Cremation Care