Robert Isaac Backus

Robert Isaac Backus left this earth on September 29th, 2016; after two years battling cancer. He was known and loved by many across the world. Born July 31, 1953 in West Virginia to Harold (Mary) Backus; he is survived by his daughter Maryann DeYoung, son-in-law Ron Engmark, granddaughters Miranda and Haley, older brother Harold (Cookie) Backus, their two sons Michael (Shannon) and Christopher (Beth).

At a young age, they moved to Arizona and he met his other families- Hampton’s, Rhodes’, Sebben’s, and Woodruff’s. Graduated from Carl Hayden HS- 1971 and entered into the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Luke AFB (Arizona) and transferred to Seymour Johnson AFB (North Carolina). He served 20 years under the American Flag; with tours in Southwest Asia and the Gulf War. He retired- 1992 in Mount Olive, North Carolina.

Later his love of travel and fighter jets would lead him to work for Boeing and McDonnell Douglas in Missouri. In 1995, he transferred to the American compound in Saudi Arabia and began working for a contractor with the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF). Though contracts changed hands, he remained in Saudi Arabia for 15 years. He traveled to Egypt, Philippines, Thailand, Jordan, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Amsterdam, Great Britain and many more places we could only dream of. His tales of adventure were always colorful and descriptive.

In December- 2014, he left the Kingdom after being diagnosed with multiple cancers. He lived with his daughter, Maryann DeYoung (Miranda and Haley) and son-in-law, Ron Engmark. The journey was riddled with pain, heartache and sickness. However, he would not be beat; and continued to do things he had always wanted to when he returned state side: Monster Truck Jam, NASCAR at PIR, Sedona Trolley Tour, riding bikes, making the back yard ready for his “19th hole”, Rattlers Arena Football, riding the train the full length of the valley, Miranda’s 13th birthday at Red Lobster, Cardinals NFL Football Game, eating at TexAZ for Haley’s 11th birthday, Reign of Thai, Arby’s, breaking a tooth on tacos from Jack In the Box, falling in love with Riley (the little chimichanga with teeth), dirt-track racing and a hand-made wooden cross for his daughter’s birthday.

We celebrated holidays and birthdays that were missed and the new ones, that are unforgettable. He was unforgettable. Whether you knew him as Bobbie, Bouk, Bob, Master Sergeant Backus, Dad, OBO, Robert, Grandpa (GPA), Brother, Uncle or friend; you were privileged to know the man who delivered his daughter on the living room floor, Christmas morning 1977. I came in holding his hand and he left holding mine. Thank you, dad. You are missed by so many. Rest in Peace.

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