Fred William Backus

Fred William Backus passed away on May 27, 2026, in West Jordan, Utah, from a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer, surrounded by his close family.  A loving husband, son, father, uncle, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend.

Fred was born on April 8, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Charleen Johnson and Renald Fredrick Backus. He was a West High Graduate. He married Cheron Johnson and had 3 children, Angelia (Angie), Chad, and Ryan; later divorced. Later married Jan Kiisel.

As a young man, After High School, Fred worked at Haffers as a Diesel Mechanic. Fred enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and served his country in the Vietnam War with honor. He was an electrical repairman serving on the USS Fresno from 1969 to 1973. After the Navy, Fred taught himself how to run an excavator and partnered with Egbert and became Egbert & Backus. He then started Mountain West Excavating in 1976, where he was involved with the first phase of the Salt Lake International Center. His brother Rod was his truck driver and transporter.

He worked for Wolfe Excavating as a superintendent for 20 years.

He retired from Miller Paving after 19 years as a foreman.

Fred found joy in his life, spending time with his wife Jan, golfing with his brother Jeff, riding his Harley, and watching baseball with his brother Kim and his countless friends from Miller Paving and his motorcycle friends.

Preceded by death by his father, Renald, mother, Charleen. Survived by his wife Jan, Brothers Rod (Carrie) Backus, Jefferey, and Kim Backus, children Angie (Eric) Mattinson, Chad (Martha) Backus, Ryan Backus, Grandchildren Erika (Christian), Caitlin, Brianna ( Ethan), Evelyn, Penny, and Phoebe, 1 great grandson Rylan, niece Kristin (Simeon) Bigney, Kathy Backus, nephew Rodney and Nathan Backus, and three great nephews Winston, Max Bigney, and Brantley Backus

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Fred Backus’s name.

A brief viewing will be held on June 13, 2026 @ 1:00 p.m., and graveside services @ 2:00 p.m., 6500 S Redwood Road, Memorial Mortuary.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Utah Cancer Specialists, Dr. Nitan Chandramouli, University of Utah Healthcare, Serenity Hospice, Cousin Bridgette Turner, and Nurse Anna.

Fred, you are loved and missed. We won’t cry that it’s over. We are glad you happened, Dr. Seuss. May peace be with you this day, and may God be with you, Fred, till we meet again. Love your family and friends.