Gordon John Backman

Gordon John Backman was born on January 30, 1928, to John Backman and Ana Backman (Kronquist) in San Francisco, CA.  He grew up and lived in Kent, Washington.  He played baseball and football growing up and in high school.  He played saxophone and was in a jazz band. 

Gordon worked for American Can Company for over 30 years, from the age of 16 in the mailroom and until his retirement in 1986 as an Associate Director at the Greenwich, CT headquarters.  He graduated from the University of Washington in May 1950 with a BA in business and a minor in psychology.  He served in the Army in the Korean War and rose in rank to Master Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Gordon married Dorothy Sorensen in September 1953, and had three children, Gordon, Maren, and Carol.  Gordon retired in 1986; after her long battle with cancer, Dorothy passed away in December 1986.

Gordon met Helen Hunt at a support group for widows.  They married in January 1989 and remained happily married until his death.  They divided their time between a house in Danbury, CT and a condo in Fort Myers, FL.

An avid golfer, Gordon played in the men's league at Cross Creek country club in Fort Myers, FL.  He was a past President of the Cross Creek Association.  Gordon became ill in June 2022 and after a heroic battle, passed on December 29, 2022. He was much loved and will be terribly missed. 

He was predeceased by his parents, sisters and first wife.  He is survived by Helen Hunt-Backman, Sharon Vaghi (Paul Vaghi), Larry Conroy (Betsy Conroy), Gordon Backman (Jill Backman), Maren Hupp (Charles Hupp), Carol Krebs, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and numerous cousins. 

Private gravesite service will be held later this year, at St. Peter's cemetery in Danbury, CT.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.  

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