"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a great man. Gary Arden Backman passed peacefully at his home on July 3rd, in the company of loved ones.
Gary was born on September 29th, 1940. His childhood began in Whittier, and later in Camarillo, before the family settled in Santa Paula.
He graduated from Santa Paula high school in 1958, joined the Army, and was stationed in Germany for 2 years before returning home. Shortly after that he met and married the love of his life, Gypsy. They had 2 sons, and built their life together over the last 55 years. They had the kind of marriage that dreams are made of. He served on the Ventura County Sheriffs Department for 30 years, making life-long friends and loving his career every step of the way.
Gary was famous in the family for his sense of humor. From silly nicknames, to making up a song for anything that popped into his head. His favorite place to be when not at home was up in the mountains hunting, trapping, fishing, horseback riding and enjoying nature. In the wilderness his heart was light and free. Over the years he had many dogs, and always had a special place in the heart for each and every one.
He was preceded in death by his parents Virginia and Lowell Backman, his grandparents Floyd and Ruth Mengel, and Isabel and John Backman, his sister Carol Backman, and nephew Jeffrey Drake.
He is survived by his wife Gypsy Backman, his sons Mike and Kenneth Backman. Linda Backman, and Carson Wolff who were like a daughter and grandchild to him, his granddaughter Kristina Backman, his sisters Denise Gilliland, and Gayle Drake. His nieces Tammy Fairman, Lori Piedra, and Traci Adams, and his uncle Verdon Mengel.
Family and friends are invited to Memorial Services to be officiated by Pastor Scott Smith Friday July 15, 2016 at 2pm in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street Ventura, CA.