Lawrence Backus

Obituary

Lawrence Anthony Backus affectionately known as Larry, was born August 9, 1958 to the late Lee A. Backus Faison. Lee Backus was in the Air Force so while stationed in Madrid, Spain Larry was born. The Backus family left Spain when Larry was three years old and moved to Hempstead, New York and then Sumpter, South Carolina and later returned to New York. Spanish was Larry’s first language in his toddler years and he said he struggled to speak English; which later caused him to stutter.

Larry attended elementary school in Hempstead, New York and graduated from North Babylon Senior High School in 1976. While in High School he participated in sports and was a member of the North Babylon Varsity Wresting Team.

In his youth Larry said love did not come easy for him. He found his safe haven in church. He attended Antioch Baptist Church in Hempstead, New York where he loved wearing his suits and serving in the youth choir, usher board and junior deacon board. At 10 years old he had an encounter with God, accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and was baptized.

Larry had a passion from music. He enjoyed singing with his siblings and playing the guitar. Larry had a dream of becoming the next Joe Jackson and forming a family performing group. He played hiss bass guitar in several local bands. Larry was also passionate about the Oakland Raiders. He was a loyal fan, a season ticket holder and a serious tailgate attendee.

Larry enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1976 and served in the Armed Forces for 6 years. While in the military he met and married Desiree (Marie) Luevanos Backus on November 22, 1978. Desiree said when they met they were two opposites that attracted. While Larry was stationed in Germany, he and Desiree had two children, Lawrence Jr. and Ivy. Larry enjoyed taking care of his wife and children. When Larry and Desiree returned to the states, they lived in San Francisco, CA, Hayward, CA and most recently Las Vegas Nevada.

In Larry’s life journey he struggled with issues that caused him to turn external substances for comfort and relief from his internal pain. When he could no longer handle the pain he reached a point where he sought assistance for his struggles. Alcoholics Anonymous became a very intricate part of Larry’s Life. Larry recently celebrated 31 years of sobriety. Being sober made him a different person. He learned how to show the love that he always had bottled up inside. He used this tool to improve his life and find healing for his internal pain. When he found strength he then reached back and sponsored many other individuals to their health, sobriety and healing.

Larry was diagnosed with cancer in 2001. He fought a tremendous 17 year battle and hung on to life at the request of his son Lawrence Jr. Larry finished his course in life and went home to be with the Lord on July 7, 2018. Left to celebrate his life wife, 2 children, 4 grandchildren 5 siblings, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

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