Duane N. Backstrom, "Bud," passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at Sebastian River Medical Center.

Bud was born in McKeesport, PA. on October 21, 1935 to Albert & Virginia Backstrom. He was a graduate of Glassport High School, Class of 1954. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and was a member of the Phi
Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Bud went on to play back-up center fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1958-59. His career was cut short by a run-in with the outfield wall. Soon after, he worked for Hagan Corporation, a division of Westinghouse, in quality control. He later was appointed General Manager of Marketing for Crown Fab & Crown Steel, both companies were in Orville, OH. Bud moved to Toronto, Canada in the late '70's, where he started his own consulting firm, Dubac Technical Services. On one of his business trips to Orlando, Florida
in 1979, he met his wife of 33 years, Cynthia. He soon moved to Sanford, Florida, where they got married on September 6, 1980. He began a new career as a sales engineer for several companies (AMC, Pennwalt) in the citrus industry located in Vero Beach. Bud & Cynthia moved to Vero Beach in 1986, where they have resided since.

Bud's fingerprints can be seen throughout Vero Beach, especially in the golfing community. Through the years, he was responsible for several fund raising golf tournaments at Dodger Pines and belonged to a
closely-knit group of buddies, affectionately known as "The Baggers." Bud was so accommodating to everyone and was a trusted friend, as his friends would attest (Baggers, legendary basketball coach Bob Knight, retired MLB Umpires and players).

Bud was a passionate sports fan and rooted for his beloved Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Indiana Hoosiers. We would be remiss if we failed to mention his three hole-in-ones. One in Orville, OH, the other in Toronto, Canada, and the last one, no.11 at The Lynx at Point West. Sorry "Baggers" for having to hear that again. If you were to take a poll of Bud's family as to what they are going to miss the most, in no particular order, they would say his grumpy, somewhat dry sense of humor, his ability to outwit Cynthia at crossword puzzles, and his gourmet-style cooking.

Bud is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia S. Backstrom, of 33 years, his sisters, Dr. Velma Saire, Sewickley, PA., Shirley Cotton of Mt. Pleasant, SC, his daughters, Denise Backstrom of Tupelo MS, Lynn Wagner of Orville, OH, David Backstrom of Houston, TX, stepsons, Albert Dunbar of Longwood, Fl, Zachary Dunbar of London, England, Christopher Dunbar of Brentwood, CA and stepdaughters, Jennifer Gertz of Palm City, Fl, Cymon Whalin of Gardnerville, NV, 13 grandchildren and his faithful companion, "Rocky."

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at 6:00 P.M. at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.