Arthur William Backstrom, Sr.

Mr. Arthur William Backstrom, Sr., age 79, passed away early Sunday morning, February 17, 2008. Art was born in June 23, 1928 to Herbert and Dora (White) Backstrom, Sr. in Muskegon. Art was a 1946 graduate of Muskegon High School. On September 16, 1950 he married the former Myra Roberts at St. Jean's Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on October 31, 2007. He had been employed with the City of Muskegon as a building inspector for 22 years prior to his retirement in 1993. Earlier on, Art had also worked as a master bricklayer, having been past president of Bricklayers Union #5. Mr. Backstrom was a member of both the Lakeside Veterans and Muskegon Recreation Clubs; a third generation Bluffton resident, and was very proud of his Swedish Heritage. In his youth, Art was an accomplished sailor, and had also enjoyed hunting , fishing, and golfing with his sons and friends. He was an avid Muskegon Big Reds and Michigan State Spartans fan, and a member of the leather helmet gang. He was a past member of the Vikings, the Muskegon Yacht Club, The Elks, The Moose Lodge, and the Lakeside Eagles. Art was a generous man, always willing to help out a friend. He is SURVIVED by his 6 children, Arthur W. (Cynthia) Backstrom, Jr. of Muskegon, Susan (John) Racanelli of San Rafael, CA, Dianne (Terry) Ferris, Karen (Tim) Parker, Bill (Michelle Primmer) Backstrom all of Muskegon, and Michael (Lisa) Backstrom of Portland, OR; 12 grandchildren, Josef (Stacie), Kate, Ryan (Kolina), Robert and Anna Backstrom, Pierson Racanelli, Brian and Emily Ferris, Mac and Sam Parker, Gunnar and Annika Backstrom; 2 great-grandchildren, Aiden and Kingsley; 2 cousins, Robert White and Dora (White) Buck; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Herbert Edward Backstrom, and his cousin, Edward White Jr. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11:00AM Friday, February 22, 2008 at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. 231-759-8565 with Pastors Mark and Miriam Bush officiating. VISITATION will be Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the funeral home. INTERMENT will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to The Muskegon Big Red Athletic Foundation .