“I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer her by…”
-John Masefield
Richard Backus MD MCFP (SEM) Dip SEM
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Dept. of Graduate Studies, UVic
Clinical Assistant Professor, UBC
Richard David Hughes Backus passed away September 4, 2025, in Victoria, BC. Predeceased by his parents, Winston and Valmai Backus, Richard is survived by his wife and best friend, Kathleen, and their treasured children: David, his beamish boy (Geneviève) and their children, Rhys, Hawksley, and Leila; Matt, his stalwart cycling sidekick (Erin); and Robyn, his double black diamond buddy (Abdel). Joanie, (another Dr. Backus in the family,) has remained his life-long friend. Richard’s siblings, Elizabeth Cook (Darcy), Robert Backus (Nicole), and David Brodie (Megan) have memories of adventures with their brother. His nephews and nieces and cousins added to the richness of his life, and Myrtle Backus, his stepmother, will remember Richard for his kindness.
Richard had many passions, and for 45 years he devoted himself to his medical practice, first in emergency services, then as a general practitioner, and later in sports medicine, becoming a founding owner of both Summit Rehabilitation and ReBalance MD. He loved medicine, he revered his colleagues, he taught university students, and he mentored residents. Above all, he cared deeply for his patients. Solving problems and enhancing their quality of life were his priorities; prescribing exercise as the best medicine in his toolbox was his trademark, because it worked. Everywhere he went, students, colleagues, and patients would stop him to speak passionately of his impact on their personal journeys.
Music, the double bass, mountaineering, skiing, hiking, running, rowing, birding, poetry, James Joyce, art, his Saturna Island hide-away and, of course, cycling were many of his peripheral passions. The great outdoors was his playground, where he found beauty, exhilaration, and a sacred serenity. Despite later setbacks, he remained happiest while walking by the sea.
In addition to his love of recreational activities, Richard was always involved in community service. The Olympics, World Championships, and the Commonwealth Games were significant contributions in his career, but his commitment to Bike to Work BC was no less prestigious. He was making a difference for anyone who was game.
Our gratitude and thanks are endless to all Richard’s skilled and compassionate caregivers. A celebration of Richard’s life will take place in the future and, in lieu of flowers, please choose to champion a cause close to your heart.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Backus/Silver” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
52 Responses
A lovely memorial to a man who truly made a difference in the lives of so many people. He will be so missed by his family and friends.
Dear Kathleen. What a tandem ride with Richard you have had from start to a very hard finish. Ride on Richard and you too Kathleen. Our thoughts are with you and your family. You are both very much missed on Cliffside.
I spent one week with Richard 35 years ago. That one week changed my life more than he might have ever known. The nature of his approach to life, work, play and his very being, left a mark on me that guided me for the rest of my life. I am certain that I am not alone in this. While we had only seldom crossed paths since that time, I have always known where to find him, and I have always looked up to Richard as a role model. I am saddened of his passing. He will be missed by a vast number of people from many walks of life. Best wishes in the journey for his family and all those who knew and loved him.
We loved playing with Richard in the Victoria Chamber Orchestra and Raven Baroque. He was such a talented person who generously shared his life in many directions. Richard will always have a special place in our hearts!
I am so sorry to hear of Richard‘s passing. What an amazing man he was.
Richard was a accomplished physician who was such a wonderful mentor to myself and so many other physicians in the sports medicine world.. He taught us all so well.
Richard always talked about exercise as being so important and I will always remember our conversations.
Richard made many visits to salt Spring Island to give multiple sports medicine lectures to the physicians here which were always so enjoyable and interesting. Usually, after these talks Richard and I would go for a nice run.
I also enjoyed many bike rides with Richard over the years. He was always very kind and respectful, to his colleagues and patients.
I considered Richard a great friend .
My condolences to Kathleen and family.
Thanks for being part of our Sports Medicine Community. You motivated many of us
Into that aspect of Medicine. Thank you for what you gave us. You will be missed. Rest in peace.
My condolences to the Backus family.
You will be missed. RIP Mary Clarke
Thank you all for these accolades. I remember my brother for our conflicts, and how in the end he would protect me from the bullies in kindergarten. He used to think it was funny to make me laugh just as I was eating peas and drinking milk, and the peas would come out of my nose. However, he was a wonderful clarinet player, and introduced me to the music of the jazz artists of our youth. (ie look up Pee Wee Spitelera on youtube) As we got older ( and wiser) our relationship smoothed into being able to depend on each other without trying to compete. I’ll miss that reliability. Thanks for the great brother he was!
Thank you Richard for the profound impact you had on my life. At work you were a scientist, at play you were an artist. Everything I saw you do was done with humility, humour and grace. Your memory will stay with me the rest of my days. My condolences to the Backus family.
To kathleen and family,
I’m privileged to have known and worked with Richard. I wonderful man, compassionate and inclusive. I still remember his welcoming smile on my first day at Summit. He was the person to go to , door wide open and big ears. I’m very grateful for your support. You will be missed by many. RIP Richard.