Alan Richard Backlund, 73, passed away after a long fight with COPD, pneumonia and congested heart failure on July 13, 2024 at Vitas Healthcare in Panama City Florida.
He was born April 25, 1951 in Oak Park, Illinois, to Paul Richard Backlund and Violet May (Krause) Backlund. In his early years he lived in Downers Grove, Illinois and later moved to Florida. His last residence was in Alford, Florida in the house he built himself.
Alan married Deborah J. England on January 17, 1970. They had one son, Richard Alan Backlund.
Alan had many careers during his lifetime, but mainly worked in the field of construction. He was certified licensed Home Builder in the State of Florida: Building custom homes and doing home improvement projects for many. In addition to construction work, he was an auto/marine mechanic. He was an antique auto enthusiast who restored a 57 Chevy that won many trophies., restoring old gas pumps and pedestal traffic lights. Not many folks knew he was an artist who loved sketching and doing oil paintings. He also served as an assistant Fire Chief for Compass Lake in the Hills in Florida.
Alan loved animals, all animals, taking in many that were abandoned, abused or neglected. At any one time he might have one to four dogs. He even rescued an angry, mean African Grey parrot named “Gizmo.”
In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his son, Richard Alan Backlund. He is survived by his wife Deborah Backlund, his sister, Elaine (Backlund) Meldrum and her husband, Tom Meldrum; granddaughter, Krystin Tara Backlund; and his nephews Todd Meldrum and Phillip Johanson.
Gravesite services will be held at: Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien, Illinois on August 19, 2024 at 10 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Anna Shin.
Gods speed Mr. Al . You will be missed. Thanks for being my friend
RIP my friend, lots of good times growing up hanging out with you and your Pop ! ! It sure was nice when you visited me at my lake house good times my brother. Definitely missing you already.