David Leon Backman

David Leon Backman – decorated war hero, lifelong Boy Scout, advocate of children, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on May 15 ^th , 2022.

David was born on December 12 ^th , 1930, in West Port, Oregon, which was recorded on a Washington birth certificate (even at the beginning he was causing mischief!), to parents Marie and Kenneth Backman. He resided on Puget Island, eventually joined by brother Keith and sister Virginia, until his parents moved to Portland, and he opted to stay with his grandparents (Liddie and L.P. Jaspers), to finish his high school career.

At age 19, he heard the call to join the Marine Corps on the radio and enlisted the very next day. Shortly thereafter, the Korean War broke out and Corporal Backman was deployed with the First Marine Division. While there he earned many medals and commendations, including the Purple Heart (after completing the Chosin Reservoir Campaign), for which he lost his leg. Even though the chaplain had begun last rites over him on the battlefield, our plucky hero wasn’t done yet! After much rehab (which absolutely included unsanctioned, hair-raising wheelchair races with the other amputees), Dave was back on his feet (one being a prothesis) and eventually enlisted into the Oregon National Guard Reserve – which he retired from as a full Colonel.

Being out of the Marines gave David a chance to fight for a different group of people – children. And to start that journey, he married the love of his life, Jaqueline Ann Backman. She was also an island girl who had gone on to earn her nursing qualifications from the University of Portland and was uniquely suited to help mend his body and heart. Together they had two girls, Kathryn and Elizabeth (Betty). He also enrolled at the Oregon State College (now University), earning his Bachelor’s of Agricultural Education – despite blowing up the chemistry lab while distilling hooch! He moved on to work for the State of Oregon, finding jobs for the unemployed with the Job Corps Program, and eventually settling into the role of Vocational Education Specialist – travelling all over the state and advocating for a quality education for kids who were disadvantaged. He had quite the prestigious career, but the legacy he left behind is not his awards or accolades (although there are quite a few), but the thousands of students who were given a chance to prosper, despite their situations.

His fight for children did not stop at his job. He and Jackie were enthusiastic members and officers of the Jaycees – a group dedicated to community service (and quite a few raucous parties – ask Jackie about dyeing the drinks)! In addition, Dave (an Eagle Scout), remained dedicated to the Boy Scouts throughout his entire life. As young marrieds, he roped Jackie into leading a Den of disadvantaged boys. Then they got involved at the Council level and signed up to be Camp Accreditors – visiting most of the camps in the Northwest and looking for ways to improve the camp experience for the boys and encourage leaders. This dedication led to a request to join the National level of Scouting, which Dave and Jackie wholeheartedly agreed to. Amending policy to make Scouting better for kids was right up their alley, and one decision they helped make led to their eldest great-granddaughter being one of the first girls to earn Eagle. And Samantha continues in their footsteps – joyfully dedicated to Scouting. Their Jaycee and Scouting achievements are too numerous to count, but more importantly, so are the number of children who have been exposed to new opportunities and given a better chance at success, as a direct result.

David didn’t just support other kids, he also gave a voice to his own. Kathy vividly remembers her dad searching high and low for a jumper she wanted as a child (and insisting the salesperson remove it from the mannequin for her), standing up to teachers who were bullying her, and stepping up to be involved in her activities, like making cider in Science Club. Betty Bulldog recalls her dad encouraging her independence and determination – traits he greatly admired. She carries on his heart for others – quitting her lucrative career to raise kids and become a volunteer for causes supporting children, history, and people who are trying to get back on track. Both girls carry on his dedication to family, ability to tell a story, and love of pickled vegetables!

Through his career and Scouting, Dave racked up quite a bit of travelling, but it was not the only time he was on the move. Unexpectedly he was able to earn his pilot’s wings and flew Cessnas anytime he could – taking his friends and family over Mount St Helens, for a quick trip to Central Oregon, or just out for ice cream. And EVERY event with Poppa included ice cream! And the yellow Duster – numbers original, over half a million miles on it, personal letter from Lee Iacocca offering to buy it – his personal chariot that he let his kids and grandkids drive. Everywhere he went, he took his grandchildren. Before his oldest grandchild could walk, she flew in Poppa’s plane. And every BSA National Council and VOA meeting was attended by at least one grandchild – and every one of Dave’s cronies knew their names (Christy, Liisa, Tim, Missy, and MaryBeth). He made each child feel special and never wavered in support of them. When his great-grandchildren came along, he was no less involved. Travelling to birthdays, learning Zoom, and financially supporting opportunities they may not otherwise have, has impacted Sam, Alex, Lily, Chiron and Maya in more ways than they have yet to realize.

He had unique stories with each of them that he would share with anyone who would lend an ear. Like when Poppa David and Grandma Jackie were driving back from Alaska with Christopher Robin and the Border Patrol asked if they had any wildlife; she held up her stuffed polar bear and proudly announced she did! Or Missy riding It’s a Small World with Pop when she was too small for Space Mountain, and the ensuing lesson on how important each person is – regardless of background, economic status, or size. When Magic Bunny was given a “no thank you” helping of mixed veggies, Poppa always ate her lima beans so she wouldn’t have to. He taught Liisa to make the best “Papa” burgers – gigantic and rare. He gave Tim opportunities to see beyond his own world (and brayed at him like a donkey when he wouldn’t). Sam toddling up to his leg and not being afraid, just wanting to know how it works. Alex going to a five-star restaurant and only wanting a baked potato, which of course was a perfectly reasonable request to Poppa. And of course, finally having a grandchild who would do oyster shots with him (thank you Missy!). Creating memories, giving them opportunities, or just holding their hand (and the “I Love You” squeezes) – he was always there for each of them. And who can forget the pictures? He needed pictures of everyone, but in the 35mm era (with multiple lenses), a picture was not a snap – it was a major event! But we knew he did it because he was proud of us and wanted to show us off to the world.

Through every aspect of his life, his legacy is clear – his love did not stop. Ever. And it never will. Each kiddo he fought for carries his passion for caring for others (and some even carry his loveable roguishness) to pass on to those around them. Thank you for giving us a lifetime of your love.