D. Kent Backman

D Kent Backman
1938-2017

Darryl Kent Backman passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after an extraordinary 79 years! Kent was born March 11, 1938 in SLC, Utah to Edward F Backman and Lucinda Hjmar Hatch. He spent the last 41 years married to his adoring wife Mary Lou Pollard.

Kent was a brilliant, gentle, dignified, understanding, patient, humble, kind, caring, reserved man. He was a listener, an observer, an inventor, a creator. Kent was an accomplished engineer. He earned his PhD from the U of U in Mechanical Engineering in 1969. Some notable accomplishments include the design of the Boeing 747 wing, engineering technology for Fountains of Bellagio, early development of successful artificial organs, starting his own tech company, and is listed on 46 US patents. Kent finished his working career as VP of R&D at Merit Medical.

Kent was passionate about flying airplanes, inventing, building, snow-skiing, and robotics. He also enjoyed wood working, model planes, pyrotechnics, skydiving, hang gliding, auto racing, scuba diving, hiking, snowmobiling, motorcycles, Scouts, and trips to Lake Powell.

As adventurous as Kent was, he also loved serving others. He adored his family and his pets. He loved playing with his children and grandchildren. He was sealed to his wife, Mary, for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on June 17, 2006.

Kent is survived by his wife Mary (Pollard) Backman, son Royce (LaDonna) Backman, daughters Renel (Kent) Rytting, Angela Backman, and Lindsay (Brian) Greer, brothers Dan (Marilyn) Shewell, Myron (Rhonda) Shewell, and Jon (Judy) Shewell, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Proceeded by father Ed Backman, mother Hjmar Shewell, sister Marian Boulton, brother Joe Backman & grandson Mason Greer.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, 11/11/17 at 11am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 3070 E Nila Way (4125 S.), SLC Utah. Friends and family may call at the Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E Bengal Blvd (7600 South) Friday, 11/10/17 from 6-8pm and the day of the service at the church 9:30-10:30am. Kent will be laid to rest in the Farmington City Cemetery. All are welcome to join his family for a gravesite dedication, including Military Rites as tribute to his service in the Army and National Guard.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Primary Children’s Hospital, in honor of his grandson, Mason Kent Greer.

Funeral Recording