Rune Backstrom has died at the age of 88. Left to remember him with much love are his wife of 49 years, Joyce (Johnson) Backstrom; children Andrea (Brian) Smith, Erik (Rena) Backstrom, Christian Backstrom, Melvin Backstrom (Mary Wichterle) and David (Lianne) Backstrom; 18 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; sister Eleanor Thomson; and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Milda (Jonsson) Backstrom and brothers Melvin and Alvin Backstrom.
Born in Edmonton to immigrant parents, Rune benefited from a strong community in the Alberta Avenue neighbourhood. He enlisted in the army and was in training when World War II ended. He received a Political Science degree but spent most of his career in the construction industry before becoming a financial manager.
Rune joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1954 and always remained firm in his faith. His life exemplified the two great commandments: to love the Lord with all your heart and to love your neighbour as yourself. This love led him to serve a mission in Sweden, his parents’ homeland, and to a lifetime of helping others. He had a passion for connecting people to their roots through genealogy and was the founding director of the first genealogical library in central and northern Alberta.
As a couple Rune and Joyce shared life’s joys and challenges, always focusing on the goal of keeping their family together and safe. In his later years Rune bore a dementia that robbed his memory but not his decency and good nature.
Following a private interment, a memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, March 23 2016 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 14325 – 53 Avenue, Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, donations in can be made to the Perpetual Education Fund or Good Samaritan Society.
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michelle stewart
Mr. Backstrom and his wife were good friends to my grandmother, who was a member of their church. They included her in many of their outings and social engagements, and were a big part of her social life outside our family. Mr. Backstrom was a good man who will be very much missed by all who knew him.