Robert Backon

Bob grew up in Ironwood, Michigan and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin and a master’s in education from Northern Michigan University in Marquette.

Bob moved to Houghton in 1967 and began a career teaching U.S. history and government at Houghton High School for 35 years (from 1967-2002). While at HHS, Mr. B coached J.V. Basketball and was the long time girls and boys golf coach. He loved his years teaching and coaching at Houghton where he had numerous friends who were teaching colleagues and alumni who he became good friends with.

On August 16, 1969, Bob was united in marriage with Sandra Marie Rintala, a graduate of Hancock High School, class of 1966. Together, they raised two children in Houghton, Steven (Steve) and Nina. They were active members of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock.

Since 1990, Bob has served the City of Houghton in various capacities, including city councilor, planning commissioner, and mayor. His love and passion for the Houghton community was extraordinary. He so looked forward to his Wednesday evening city council meetings where he and fellow members of the council would discuss new ways to improve the

City of Houghton. He had numerous personal relationships with former and current council members through his years in the Houghton leadership landscape.

Bobby was passionate about sports. Some of his favorite teams were the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, all MTU and Houghton Gremlin athletics. But his favorite team of all was his beloved Detroit Lions. No team matched the passion he had for sports like the Honolulu Blue & Silver.

He loved the game of golf. He was an avid golfer who played in the Portage Lake Men’s League for many years and also would be up early in the morning to tee off when the mowers were still on the course. Later on he worked at PLGC and loved the daily interaction with people who came out to enjoy their day on the course.

Bob was a longtime basketball and football referee. He loved working games with his football crews and basketball partners who were also some of his best friends. “The Referee”, as the Daily Mining Gazette. once dubbed him, had the honor of refereeing a Michigan High School football state championship game in 1996 at the Pontiac Silverdome.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra, who passed away on June 8, 2016; and by his daughter, Nina, who passed away on September 4, 2022, his mother Mabel Backon and his brother Norman Backon.

He is survived by his son, Steven; daughter-in-law, Leigh, who made Bob laugh with her wonderful sense of humor during their long conversations; the apple of his eye granddaughter, Charleigh, whom he loved with his entire soul; his sister-in-law Christine (James) Lickman, brother-in-law Roger (Sandy) Rintala, his nephews Jasen & Jesse Rintala, and his special, furry friend- his beloved Shih Tzu, Norm. He will be sorely missed, but always loved!

Bobs list of friends and acquaintances is exceptionally long. He treated everyone the same and the way he would like to be treated: with respect, kindness and love. He had a huge heart and was truly a gentleman.

The family would like to say a heartfelt thank you to:

-The entire second-floor staff at Portage Health System.

-The entire staff of the Omega House in Houghton. A truly special

place where Bob was comforted by their kindness and sympathy.

-His at-home caregiving team of: Yvonne, Darcy, Annette, and Nancy.

Thank you ladies for your kindness and caring for Bob.

A memorial service for Robert J. Backon will be held on Saturday,

March 21, 2026 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock.

-Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.

-Funeral service starting at 12:00 pm.

-Celebration of Life luncheon after the funeral service.

To view Bob’s obituary or to send condolences online to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.