Henry Oliver Backstrom, 97, of Richland, WA died August 11, 2004, in Richland.  He was born August 8, 1907, in Lake Bronson, MN, and lived in the Tri-Cities 8 years.

Mr. Backstrom was a welder for Pioneer Engineering until retiring in 1976.

Dad was so many things.  He was philosophical, gentle yet stubborn, self taught, brilliant and extremely inventive.  He believed “good sense” was just that, it was good sense but definitely not common.  He adored children and encouraged them to learn all they could.  He said if he hadn’t learned something new every day, the day was not complete.  His philosophy in raising children was “if you teach them self-respect, everything else will come naturally.”  He was loving, kind and generous, yet frugal having lived through The Great Depression.  He was always available for anyone who needed help.  He was a great teacher, a poet and a songwriter.  He loved God.  Even after having him 97 years, it was not nearly long enough.  We love you and will miss you Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa.

He is survived by son, John R. Backstrom Penny; daughter, Mary Ann McKenney Jim; grandchildren, Tim Mohr Cathy, Belinda Singer, Danny Backstrom, Becky Backstrom, Ernie Langston Shelly, Shannon Jones Jeff, Kelli Collins Chet, Rachel Parson Thomas; great grandchildren, Timothy, Henry and Heather Mohr; Taylor Martinez; Amanda and Cooper Langston; Camren, Tyson and McKenney Jones; Kody, Kelsi and Keaton Williams; Kourtney, Kaydin and Katlynn Collins; Taelon, Jaelon, Laeren Henry Parson; three brothers, Harold, Clarence Joyce and Paul Peg Backstrom; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom were special to him.  One nephew especially dear to Henry was Roger Backstrom.

Henry was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby; daughter, Ruth Singer; brother, Gordon Backstrom and sister, Hilder Dougan.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 14, 2004, at Einan’s Fuenral Home.  Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Lake Bronson, MN.

Visiting will be at Einan’s from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. today.