JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – Daniel A. Backus, 62, of Jamestown, N.Y., passed away June 26, 2013, in his home, after a long battle with cancer. 
Backus attended and graduated from Southwestern Central School Class of 1969, and went on to work in the auto parts industry and later developed a thriving business of his own known as JS Auto Supply LTD, a Parts Plus member. Backus sat on the national advisory council for Parts Plus as well.
His family noted in his obituary that Backus endured the disease with great strength and humility and carried the weight of the disease on his shoulders in such a way that no one would ever know his suffering.
Backus possessed a sharp intellect, wit and measure of caring for others that was so profound that others were naturally drawn to him. As noted in his obituary, Backus was well-loved by his many friends inside and outside of the industry. His colleagues at Parts Plus are mourning his loss, including longtime friend Bob Barstow, VP of marketing for the Automotive Distribution Network, parent organization to Parts Plus.
"I have known Dan for over 30 years," said Barstow. "Dan was a friend. I know his wife and children. I’ve been in his stores. I’ve called on customers with him. I’ve even been on his boat. He was a true gentleman. He was a man of his word – with his customers, his employees and his suppliers. I can honestly say that I never heard anybody, in over 30 years, say anything negative about Dan. Our council, our membership, the industry, and overall society lost a good person when Dan passed away."
Dan leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Marciann Rambacher Backus, whom he married Sept. 25, 1982; his daughters: Amy (Ed) Everett of Danville, Pa., and Melissa (John) Lindahl of South Wales, N.Y.; his sons: Matthew (Tami) Roberts of Mogadore, Ohio; and Christopher (Angela) Backus of Fairlawn, Ohio; his grandchildren: Morgan Everett, Samuel Everett, Grace Everett, Rebekah Lindahl, Rachel Lindahl, Addison Roberts, Benjamin Roberts and Christopher Daniel Backus; a sister, Marilyn (Ken) Moore of Matthews, N.C.; a brother, David (Luann) Backus of James-town; a brother-in-law, Keith Miller of Blockville, N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews.
A Christian wake celebration of Dan’s life will be held at the Lawson Center in Bemus Point at a date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750.
To read his complete obituary, click here.
