74Born in Manchester, New Hampshire to parents, Loyall and Agnes Backman, he was the eldest of three children. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1953 and served for 27 years and rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. During his military career, he was stationed at various Air Force bases in the U.S., Asia, and in the U.K. As a Crew Chief, he took his position very seriously and was available 24 hours a day for any call or assignment which might take him to faraway unknown places. He loved it!
His last station brought him to Hickam Field, and he fell in love with the people, culture, and beauty of the Islands. He retired in 1980 and lived in Honolulu and on the mainland until finally calling Honolulu "home" in 2001.
Shared visits and frequent calls with his daughters on the mainland were precious and priceless. He shared in their lives, offered empathy and advice, and rejoiced at their good news.
Family get-togethers, picnics/ camping at Bellows, going on cruises and traveling were all activities that Karl enjoyed. He golfed with his buddies and was a docent on the USS Missouri. He waited for baseball season and for "his" Yankees. He was known in the family for his sweet tooth and hardly a day went by without him indulging in cookies or sweets to his enjoyment. He exclaimed many times he was living a good life.
During his last days, music was in the air and, of course, "Sweet Caroline" was played.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Backman (née Gee), his three daughters, Novia (Ben), Nicola (Marc), Amanda (Paul) and by Elizabeth's two daughters, Sharon (Steve), Lisa (Randy), and son, Gregory (Akiko), 10 grandchildren and 13 great- grandchildren.
The Chief will be inurned with full military honors at Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific in a private family funeral service.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
