Obituary of Michael "Mike" Backovich, Sr.

Michael "Mike" Backovich, Sr. passed away very unexpectedly on Friday, April 22, 2011 in Jackson at the age of 71 years. He was born April 27, 1939 to Mike and Helen (Richards) Backovich in Sacramento, California. He was a lifelong resident of Sutter Creek, graduating from Amador High School in 1957. Mike married his high school sweetheart, Laura Whaley in July of 1957 in Nevada. He had a few odd jobs in the beginning, but hired on with Wolin & Sons as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in 1997 after 35 years. Mike was a very social man and never met a stranger. Everyone who knew him loved him. You could find him every morning enjoying coffee with his buddies at the "Table of Knowledge" at Mel's Diner. His idea of traveling was staying local and visiting friends and family daily. He was everybody's uncle, grandfather and the dad everyone wanted. Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman. He covered the hills of Amador County by foot, it was a passion he thoroughly enjoyed. His favorite hobbies other than fishing and hunting were cutting wood, picking mushrooms and visiting all of his friends. He is survived by his wife Laura, of 53 years; daughters, Mary Ellen Backovich, Jacklyn Backovich both of Jackson, LeAnn Glavenich and husband, Mike of Sutter Creek; son, Michael Backovich, Jr. and wife, Kim of Sutter Creek; grandchildren, Sonya, Emily, Morgan, Baron, Stacey, Melissa, Aubrey, Kaileen, Luke, Marcus, Mitchell; great grandchildren, Ashlynd, Chet, Lyndon, Mikel, Cash, Ethan, Valerie, Austin, Riley; sister, Nikki Biven and husband, Joe; brothers, Thomas Backovich, Sr. and wife, Sharyl, George Backovich and wife, Carla. He was preceded in death by his Dad Mike Backovich, Mother Helen Leslie, and brother, Frank Backovich. Friends are invited to attend a celebration of life Sunday, May 1, 2011, 2:00 P.M. at Grace Fellowship Church in Jackson. Inurnment will be in the Garden of Tranquility at Sunset View Cemetery in Jackson. In lieu of flowers you may send a memorial contribution to A & A Shooters, C/O True Sportsman Club, P.O. Box 824, Jackson, CA 95642. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.danerimortuary.com and signing the guest book.