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Edwin August
Backholm Sr.

April 29, 1922 – November 5, 2018

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Obituary for Edwin August Backholm Sr.

Edwin August Backholm, born April 29,1922 to Erik and Ellen (Hallqvist) Backholm, passed away at Grays Harbor Community Hospital on Monday, November 5, 2018. His parents emigrated from Finland in the early 1900’s. Erik and Ellen met in Hoquiam, married, and had 6 children. Ed was ever proud of his Swede Finn heritage.
Ed attended Lincoln Grade School, Hoquiam Jr. High, Hoquiam High School and Grays Harbor Jr. College. He enlisted in the army in 1943 at Fort Lewis, had basic training at Camp Roberts, and Radio School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He shipped overseas to Italy and was selected to play trombone in the 51st Signal Corps Stage Band. The band entertained the troops for over a year in Italy.
After the war, he returned to Hoquiam and married his high school sweetheart, Fern Smith Backholm. They had 4 children and were married for 73 years.
Ed was employed by Shell Oil Company and Pettit Oil Company for 44 years. He retired in 1982. He had a passion for his cabin at Lake Quinault that he built with the help of family and friends. It is the site of many family gatherings where Swedish music and big band songs echo from the deck.
He was a member in years past of Grays Harbor Symphony, several dance bands, and a lifetime member of the Aberdeen Elks #593. He played first chair trombone for nearly 50 years with the Aberdeen National Elks Band. Ed and Fern traveled to many National Conventions with the band including trips to Chicago, Bahamas, Reno, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Houston, St. Louis, New Orleans, Portland and Seattle. During those trips the band would sometimes spontaneously entertain people on elevators, in hotel lobbies, and on buses going to events. They were truly a band of brothers, including his band member brothers, Eric and Elven.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Eric Backholm, Elga Louise Bailey, Vera White, Elven Backholm, and his twin sister Ellen Bauer.
Ed is survived by his wife, Fern, and his children, Kristine (George) Cross of Ocean Shores, Karolyn Backholm (Bill Wehrenberg) of Seattle, Edwin Backholm Jr. of Hoquiam, and Teresa (Ben) Brumfield of Hoquiam.
Ed loved his grandchildren, Stephanie (Don) Beard of Silver Spring MD, Janie Cross Lovejoy of Tacoma, Jason (Tory) Cross of Sequim, Emily Brumfield of Montesano, Anna Backholm of Seattle, Evan (Samantha) Brumfield of North Bend, and Julia (Shaheed) Khan of Seattle.
He was blessed with 13 great grandchildren who loved their GGPa and numerous nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Ed.
There comes a time where we must all say goodbye, but it’s never easy. Rest in peace, Dad, and we’ll see you at the lake.
At his request there will be no formal service but the family is planning an open house gathering in the spring. Remembrances can be made in memory of Ed Backholm to the Aberdeen Elks Club #593, 1712 S. Boone St., Aberdeen, 98520. Messages of condolence can be made online at Harrison Mortuary.

Affiliations


  • Army

  • Army

  • Elks Lodge

  • European-African- Middle Eastern Service Medal

  • Good Conduct Medal

  • World War 2 Victory Medal
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