Psalm 116.15 “ Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
Glenway Backus (Glen) departed this earthly life on March 29, 2017, surrounded by family. His memorial service was held on April 2, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church where Glen served as pastor when he first moved to Canada.
Glen was born September 21, 1930 to Wm. and Anna Backhaus on the family farm in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, the youngest of six children. He was ordained a Lutheran pastor on July 7, 1957. Glen and Gretchen were united in marriage on August 24,1957. They were blessed with five children: Tamara (Neil) Minnesota, Lisa (Rick)Nelson, Heidi(Roger) Minnesota, Daniel (Penny) Wisconsin and Naomi (Peter) Slocan Valley. Daniel died in 2002 of cancer. 19 grandchildren and 5+ great grandchildren enriched his life.
Glen served congregations in Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin. In 1986 he began a new adventure, moving to Canada and serving congregations in Nelson and Castlegar. He and Gretchen became Canadian citizens in 1993.
Living in the Kootenays was a great joy for Glen among the wonderful people who live here. He hiked in the mountains , canoed and sailed on Kootenay Lake, sang with the Nelson Choral Society, church choir and Nelson Opera Society. Painting was a passion and he participated in several Art Walks. Glen and Gretchen enjoyed winter holidays in Mexico for many years and backpacked in Greece and Europe. Glen was an adventuresome soul who inspired his family.
We thank the staff at Jubilee who made Jubilee Manor his home for this past year with their care and love! So many people have helped Glen on his Parkinson’s journey - we are deeply grateful to all.