Melvin E Backman

Melvin E. Backman, 86, died peacefully at his home on August 2, 2015. Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, August 7, at Mission Evangelical Free Church, Wilton, with Pastor Russ Whitaker officiating. Burial will be held at Mission Evangelical Free Church Cemetery in Wilton.Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Thursday, August 6, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.Melvin was born on July 28, 1929, to Lawrence and Anna (Hryckow) Backman of Wilton. After completing school, he worked with his dad at Backman Machine Shop. He also helped others with some trucking on the side. He was very mechanically inclined and people came from all around to ask him questions and get his advice. He was raised on the family farm and farming was his true passion. He married the love of his life, Annette Philbrick, on October 7, 1966 and together they farmed and ranched North of Wilton. They were blessed with three children. He was still involved in the farming operation with his children, which he enjoyed very much.Melvin was the most kind-hearted, compassionate and easy-going person you could ever meet. He was constantly putting others before himself. He had a humble heart, a gentle spirit and endless patience. He had a special place in his heart for his seven grandchildren. His face would light up every time he saw them.Melvin was deeply loved and will be missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Annette Backman; two sons and daughters-in-law Tom (Shellae) Backman, Dwight (Lori) Backman; and one daughter Joy Backman all of Bismarck; and seven grandchildren Tatiana, Arianna, Tanner, Atrianna, Tyler, Austin and Blake; four siblings Rosemary Johnson, Arvid (Helen) Backman both of Wilton, Sid (Marlene) Backman and Beverly Estes both of Bismarck; and many nieces and nephews.Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Anna Backman; one infant brother, two sisters Alvina and Genevieve, one brother Norlin Backman; three brothers-in-law Chester Johnson, Earl Estes and Donald Philbrick and one sister-in-law Margaret Backman.