Obituary of Daniel A. Backus

Daniel A. Backus, 62, of Jamestown, passed away at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday (June 26, 2013) in his home, after an extremely long battle with cancer. He endured the disease with great strength and humility and carried the weight of the disease on his shoulders in such a way that no one would ever know his suffering. He was born March 6, 1951 in Jamestown, NY, a son of the late Gene and Lillian Carlson Backus. Dan attended and graduated from Southwestern Central School Class of 1969 and went on to work in the auto parts industry and later developed a thriving business of his own known as JS Auto Supply, LTD. Dan possessed a sharp intellect, wit, and measure of caring for others that was so profound that others were naturally drawn to him. He had many, many friends. Dan was a hard working guy. He enjoyed his work and the people he met each day. He thought of his employees as his family and treated them that way. But the pride and love of his family superseded all else and were his sense of immense joy. When his son Christopher became paralyzed from a diving accident, Dan became the driving force for his son to regain his independence and he was so proud of him. Christopher went on to be a success in business, a husband and father. His other children also thrived from his loving guidance. Dan was the core of our family who brought us together in times of great joy as well as in times of sorrow. The light that he brought to others will not be extinguished by his death. He will go on helping others even after death with organ donations and research. Dan leaves behind a family who mourns his loss while celebrating his spirit: his wife of 31 years, Marciann Rambacher Backus whom he married September 25, 1982, his daughters Amy (Ed) Everett of Danville, PA, Melissa (John) Lindahl of South Wales, NY, his sons Matthew (Tami) Roberts of Mogadore, OH, Christopher (Angela) Backus of Fairlawn, OH, his grandchildren Morgan Everett, Samuel Everett, Grace Everett, Rebekah Lindahl, Rachel Lindahl, Addison Roberts, Benjamin Roberts and Christopher Daniel Backus, a sister Marilyn (Ken) Moore of Matthews, NC, a brother David (Luann) Backus of Jamestown , a brother in law Keith Miller of Blockville, NY and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter Sara Backus, and a sister Karen Miller. Dan was a special friend to many and a mentor as well. He belonged to the Chautauqua Lake Power Boat Club of which he had presided as Commodore in the past. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed the golfing comradery with his longtime friends. Dan could do anything from mechanical work, electrical work to plumbing to building a new room single handedly. He sat on the National Advisory Council for Parts Plus and supported many charities while doing so. A Christian Wake celebration of Dan's life will be held at the Lawson Center in Bemus Point at a date and time to be announced. The Rev. Timothy Phelps, chaplain of Hospice Chautauqua County will conduct the memorial service. After the service friends and family are invited to raise a glass and tell stories of this wonderful man who will live on in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750.