Obituary of Michael Joseph Backowski

The world is short an incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. On January 19, 2022, Michael (Mike) Joseph Backowski Sr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones in Portland, Oregon. Mike was born on September 14, 1954 in Cleveland, Ohio to Raymond and Jane Backowski. Growing up the youngest of three children, Mike always spoke fondly of his older siblings and his childhood in Ohio. As an adult, he was frequently on the hunt for specialty Polish foods to share with his wife, children and grandchildren, while telling stories of why they were nostalgic to him.

In his twenties, Mike relocated to the Pacific Northwest where he met the love of his life, Felicia. They married in 1983 in Olympia, Washington, and continued to live in Washington with their six children until 1999, before settling in Portland, Oregon. Mike and Felicia were inseparable, other than when Mike traveled for work. Even then, they spoke daily by telephone and maintained their close connection as best friends and soulmates. Mike made Felicia laugh daily, whether purposefully or not.

Mike was often the smartest person in the room without being arrogant. He was the best at trivia, caring and loving, effortlessly hilarious, and always there for anyone in need. He chauffeured his grandchildren around town to their various camps, events, and practices, while chit-chatting over muffins, doughnuts, and a cupholder full of candy corn. He was a master of creating nicknames for everyone he met and an expert in jewelry. Mike was highly organized and preferred to have everything in its place – he even sorted his candies by color, brand, and size.

Mike absolutely loved: 

• His family
• Hugs
• Telling stories, laughing, and making people laugh
• Pinching chubby cheeks
• Fireworks on The Fourth of July
• Bragging about his children and grandchildren
• Skipping rocks on the beach
• Football (the Seahawks and the Browns) and golf
• Rollercoasters and waterslides
• Kielbasa, pot roast, teriyaki chicken, cheesecake, and chocolate cake with white icing
• Ginger ale and root beer
• A good quality sound system to blast his vinyl records of The Beatles, Chicago, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and many more
• Cheering for his granddaughters at roller derby bouts
• Feeding guests second helpings, even before he had eaten anything
• Eating candy, sharing candy with his family, and eating more candy
• Having his back rubbed and his hair combed
• Gardening and showing off his flowers
• Helping anyone who asked, and anyone who didn’t ask
• Heated car seats
• His pets (despite what he may have said to the contrary)
• Aliens, Sasquatch, and Sharknado
• The Day After Tomorrow, Independence Day, Caddyshack, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
• Grand gestures and surprises
• Well-made sweaters, button-up shirts, hats, and Christmas socks

Mike did not like: 

• When people were sad
• Being away from his family
• Undercooked noodles
• When his daughter drove through potholes, instead of driving around them
• Missing a party
• Saying no

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Felicia, and his children Andrew Backowski (& Courtney), Amanda Newman (& Ryan), Nicholas Backowski (& Lauren), Michael Backowski Jr. (& Kathleen), Kristen LaLonde (& Travis), and Desiree Tarpeo. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Willow LaLonde, Amara LaLonde, Kyra Backowski, Sophia LaLonde, Michael Backowski III, Emma Backowski, Rocco Tarpeo, Rosalie Backowski, Daphne Backowski, Ivy Backowski, Miles Newman, and Baby Boy Newman (arriving April, 2022). Mike’s siblings, Marilyn Ratusnik and Ron Backowski, survive him as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. His passing has left an enormous hole in his family that will be refilled through gathering, reminiscing, laughing about all the hilarious things Mike said, and eating his favorite foods and candies.

Mike did not want anyone to be sad at his passing and did not want a funeral. He wanted to be at peace and wanted everyone to celebrate his life on his favorite holiday, Independence Day, on the beach, watching fireworks. So, that is what his family will do every year and they will continue to honor his wonderful life every day in between. It was a life well-lived.