Nicholas Backstrom

NICHOLAS BACKSTROM IDAHO FALLS, ID - Nicholas Charles “Nic” Backstrom, 69, of Idaho Falls, died July 21, 2003, at his home in Island Park. Nic Backstrom was born December 14, 1933, in Underwood, North Dakota, to Carl O. and Anna Lyle Engler Backstrom. The family moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, when he was six years old. During his high school years, Nic worked on the railroad, including the line from Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone. Nic loved his high school years where he won many boxing matches, played on the state champion football team and became the president of the senior class of Idaho Falls High School. Nic enjoyed speaking about the great kids in his class and was looking forward to the Class of 1953's reunion this fall. He attended Idaho State University, majored in history and, as a member of the boxing team, had special memories of the Sugar Bowl Tournament in New Orleans. The Korean War prompted his joining the Marine Corps for two years. He was stationed at San Diego, Camp Pendleton and Hawaii, finding himself on the boxing team for the Marines. On their way to Korea, Nic and his other young Marines were informed of the Paris Peace talks and their ship was turned around in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. He was proud to be a Marine. He then returned to Idaho State University where he met his wife, Doris. He and Doris were married and made their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Nic worked in the engineering department for the Bonneville County Road and Bridge Department. The boat ramp at Palisades and the Jefferson County Bridge were his favorite projects. Nic then became a firefighter with the Idaho Falls Fire Department. He retired as a captain after 25 years. He worked out of Station #1, 2, 3 and 4, and made life long friends with the other firemen. Nic and his wife enjoyed their winter months in Yuma, Arizona where Nic played golf with the other retired fire fighters . Nic also golfed with the Idaho Falls Senior Golf Association. After retirement, Nic enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends at the North Hiway Café. Nic and his family spent over 30 years at their summer cabin in Island Park. Nic designed and built the cabin, and was especially proud of the fish trophies from Henry's Lake that adorn the walls of the cabin. Nic fished the lake, hunted the mountains of the Targhee Forest, and enjoyed the outdoor activities of boating, hunting, snowmobiling, 4 wheeling, and spending time with family and friends. He especially looked forward to the days when the children would come to the cabin. Nic was active in the Bonneville County Historical Society, served on the Board of Directors, and was a lifetime member of the society. He was instrumental in the renovation of the old library into a museum with many hours donated in the Eagle Rock exhibit. He was a lifetime member of the Retired Firefighters of Idaho. Surviving are: Wife: Doris Backstrom, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Leslie Ann (Michael) Caldarera, LaPalma, CA Son: Eric Backstrom, Nampa, ID Brother: Carlyle (Pete) Backstrom, Belgrade, ME Brother: Les Backstrom, Shelley, ID Sister: Rona Backstrom, Belgrade, ME Sister: Nancy (Stuart) Hutchins, Gold Canyon, AZ 2 Grandchildren, 2 Step Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 26, 2003, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, (455 West Sunnyside Road), with Pastor Larry Cudmore officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Chapel of the Pines, 273 North Ridge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Museum of Idaho. Burial will be in Island Park Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday where Military rites will be performed by the Ashton Veterans Team.