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DR. GEORGE WINSTON BACKMAN
Date of Passing: Apr 06, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDR. GEORGE WINSTON BACKMAN
If you're reading this, I passed away and I'm now worm food. That's ok. It's the circle of life, and worms play an important role too. I like to think I’ve lived my life exactly how I wanted and on my own terms (other than the last few years with dementia - I wouldn't wish that on anyone). My priorities in life were my family and my dogs, although not always in that order as my dogs always listened to me. To Diane, you put up with me for almost 60 years and that wasn't always easy. I hope you can raise a glass and have a laugh and smile at the fun times over the years. To my surviving brothers, Charles Backman and Earl Backman (Candace) and my surviving sister, Dorothy Hunter, you have been there throughout, starting with life at the farm in Clarkleigh, Manitoba with mom and dad (Vera and Gudni, may they rest in peace). We had a great life with a lot of laughs, and I'm glad you were there. I'm sorry for the daily calls and incoherent conversations in the later stages of my dementia, but I always enjoyed our talks and your friendship, even if I couldn't express it. To my daughter-in-law, Patti (nee Bowles) and son-in-law Michael Fortier, you married into our family and have made it better. Your kindness and generosity of spirit was beyond what I could have hoped for.
To my son, Kristjan, and daughter, Paige, I tried my best. You both turned out pretty well and have wonderful families. I like to think I had something to do with it, but perhaps that's just an old man's wish. I'm extremely proud of both of you and have thoroughly enjoyed our lives together. From early morning swim practices, weeks at the lake waterskiing and watching your children, my grandchildren, grow-up. I'm glad you both have a sense of humour as you needed it in the last few years dealing with my dementia and all that entailed.
To my grandchildren, Abigail, Kristjan, Timothy and Charlie, in order of birth but equal in love. I have loved our time together. I loved watching you play sports, going to your schools, walks with Artie, visits in Toronto, and watching you grow up. I'm sorry I won't see you finish high school or get to know you as adults, but I know enough to know you are each wonderfully unique, smart and kind people with great senses of humour. Wherever I end up, I look forward to watching you take on the world and make it a better place.
I loved being a Periodontist for almost 50 years and to my patients, I want to say thank you for allowing me to be part of your life even though coming to see a dentist may not have been your highlight. To my dental colleagues, you were my friends both in and out of the office and we shared a lot of good times and laughs. To those students I taught studying Periodontics at the University of Manitoba, I hope I didn't wreck you for the profession. It was always a pleasure seeing the next generation of talent and a privilege to try to impart what I learned in my decades of practice. I hope it helped in some small way as you forged your journey.
Jorie and Rebel, my two black labs, I'm joining you now if you'll have me. We can remember all of the years of sitting in boats, catching fish and ducks and curling up at the end of the day together.
Don't mourn for me. That would be nonsense. I lived my life exactly how I wanted surrounded by great family and friends. Lift a glass, tell a good story about our time together and smile.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 15, 2023
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
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Dr Backman performed a couple of gum surgeries on me. Before meeting him, I was deathly afraid of dentists. I would be sick to my stomach and anxious for weeks before an appointment. Dr Backman had a way of putting me at ease that the fear just melted away. Because of him, I no longer have anxiety before dental appointments. I still don’t like them but I don’t get sick before them. I will always be grateful to this fine gentleman. He also said I was a good healer after my gum surgery. I always enjoyed attending his appointments. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace Dr Backman. - Posted by: Joy Matsubara (Former patient) on: Jul 31, 2023
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I am Dr. B (Winston)'s daughter. To everyone who took the time to post something, I just wanted to say thank you. It means a lot. We get caught in our own small view of a person and it's wonderful and meaningful to get to know what he meant to other people. Thank you very much. Paige - Posted by: Paige Backman (Daughter) on: Jul 17, 2023
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Happened to come across his Obituary so brilliantly and beautifully written yet sad at the same time. All I can see when reading was love and warmth. Deepest condolences to his family - Posted by: Mel () on: May 08, 2023
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Sincere condolences to the family. I was referred to Dr. Backman for gum surgery when we moved from Dauphin to Winnipeg in the '60's. He was a very caring gentleman - always asked if I was ok when he was doing the surgery. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for the great care. - Posted by: Helen Waugh (Former patient) on: Apr 22, 2023
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Dr. Backman was my periodontist for many years. He made periodontal surgery less stressful, loved his sense of humour. My sincere condolences to the Backman family. - Posted by: Marilyn Lyons (former patient) on: Apr 19, 2023
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I had the wonderful experience of assisting this lovely man as a part of RRCC in 1975. what a truly kind person. I am saddened by your loss. - Posted by: glennis mcGregor (student) on: Apr 16, 2023
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All my best and condolences to the entire Backman clan. Lots of love Brooke - Posted by: Brooke Bampton (Schoolmate of Paige and Krisjan) on: Apr 16, 2023
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Winston, We were together for more than 50 years as students in dental school and then fellow practitioners and teachers. Winston was an excellent Periodontist and one of the most caring people in the dental profession. His patients were very fortunate to have him as their Dr. RIP Winston. Marshall Peikoff - Posted by: Dr Marshall Peikoff (colleague) on: Apr 16, 2023
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A wonderful man and great mentor. Very kind and caring. He had so much love and knowledge to give. I was privileged to know him and work with him. RIP did Backman. - Posted by: Reem Atout (Colleague ) on: Apr 16, 2023
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Hi Diane. We haven’t spoken for many years, so sorry to renew our friendship this way. So sorry for ur loss Sylvia - Posted by: Sylvia (Friend ) on: Apr 15, 2023
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My first Dentist when I was a teenager. I think not too long after that he went on to become a Periodontist. My mother was a good friend of Winston's parents when they lived on the same street in Warren, Manitoba. My parents were Henry and Effie (Margaret) Mason. Loved the self obit. My condolences to all the family. - Posted by: Willa Mason Fussey (Patient) on: Apr 15, 2023
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I can't tell you how fortunate I felt to have "Dr. B" as my friend and employer for all the years I worked as a dental hygienist. He always showed a genuinely kind interest and respect for his staff and patients alike, and because of this, I truly thought I had the greatest boss in the world! To Diane, Kristjan and Paige, I would like to extend my deepest condolences, and know that he will forever be remembered in the highest regard. He was truly inspirational, a one of a kind, and we are so fortunate to have had him in our lives. - Posted by: Darlene Chimilar (Friend and Employee) on: Apr 15, 2023
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I feel a sense of loss even though I never had the pleasure or privilege of knowing Dr. Backman, his picture made me stop and read his obituary. I turned into a puddle and had to stop several times. Oh, how he loved and was loved. What an amazing inspiring soul. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Crayon (Inspired Stranger) on: Apr 15, 2023
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To all the Backman Family. I did not know Dr. Backman personally but my mother did. She actually did enjoy, sort of, going to see him and his crew and always took his directions to heart. The part she loved was to hear him talk about his family, his children and grandchildren and yes she was a patient of his for many many years. I am so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man and he will be deeply missed. Yours, Sidney - Posted by: Sidney Macaw (family friend) on: Apr 15, 2023
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When I had my first of three gum surgeries with Dr. Backman, he asked me how I was. I told him I was nervous and he said he wasn't. I laughed and I said that's good. Before the surgery, Dr. Backman called me to tell me I am stronger than I think I am, drink orange juice and bring a Walkman to listen to music while I'm having my surgery done. He was my favourite dentist. - Posted by: Rosanna Di Curzio (Former Patient ) on: Apr 15, 2023
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Dr. Backmann was one dentist you actually looked forward to visiting. It wasn't the same when he retired to teach. He was probably even better, as a teacher/mentor than as a periodontist. I hope he enjoys that one. - Posted by: Ed Klemm (Patient) on: Apr 15, 2023
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Absolutely love the self eulogy. He was fun, very warm, very professional and always educating. He was the motivator to get me to give up my pack a day smoking habit back in 1993, 30 years ago when I was a patient of his. I will always remember and be grateful to him for that. My condolences to his family and soar high Dr. Backman. - Posted by: Caroline Weakley (former patient) on: Apr 15, 2023