“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
Hearing of Richard’s passing, I am drawn back to our years of friendship when we were in high school together in Grande Prairie, Alberta, where his parents were leaders in our then small community. Richard and I were good friends and academic rivals and we had memorable adventures together. A 50 mile walk as part of an epic journey to Kinuseo Falls, and being evacuated by the Red Cross when the river rose torrentially and impasssbly and then our return to drive to retrieve a vehicle donated by the local GM dealer. High drama when the vehicle flipped onto its roof on a curve and how we managed to flip it back on its wheels and complete the journey back to Grande Prairie. Speaking of cars, Richard and I immensely enjoyed driving about in his British racing green MG…! At our Grade XII graduation, Richard and I played a musical number – he on the clarinet and me on the piano.
Then our paths took different directions after our time together at U of A – me down east and to the north and he on a distinguished medical career on the island. I was touched by the glowing tributes to my old friend by his colleagues and friends and family.
Sending condolences to Kathleen and your family.
We were all blessed to have known such a fine man.
Rich was my friend, colleague and partner in all things sports medicine since our arrival in Victoria in 1978. He was loved by his patients and his colleagues and epitomized a wise, caring and gentle physician. His contribution to our community was enormous, particularly in all the people he trained and who now carry on his work. We will celebrate his life on October 17 at UVic Faculty Club. A life well lived. For Kathleen and all the family, our condolences as you move forward. Lots of Love.
Dr. Richard Backus was an incredible mentor to those of us lucky enough to do a rotation with him as a resident in Victoria in the 2000s. His passion for his work was infectious and I regularly pass on the stretches he imparted for certain MSK maladies to my patients. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him and send sincere condolences to his family. Such a legacy!
Richard was a real friend. Thinking of him brings me down memory lane including thoughts about our Cambridge days at the Cavendish Laboratory with our many fun and highly stimulating discussions. Back again in Canada, we maintained contact whether from Calgary, Ottawa or Montreal, because distance means little between friends.
Richard, you were an eclectic person with a passion for classical music, sports, evidence-based medicine, gardening, social policies and always interested in trying new things. Not least was your great hospitality, including generously offering us your car to visit Yellow Point Lodge to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Kathleen you are an integral part of all this. We will miss you Richard.
Richard was a real friend. Thinking of him brings me down memory lane including thoughts about our Cambridge days at the Cavendish Laboratory with our many fun and highly stimulating discussions. Back again in Canada, we maintained contact, whether from Calgary, Ottawa or Montreal, because distance means little between friends.
Richard, you were an eclectic person with a passion for classical music, sports, evidence-based medicine, gardening, social policies and always interested in trying new things. Not least was your great hospitality, including generously offering us your car to visit Yellow Point Lodge to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Kathleen you are an integral part of all this. We will miss you Richard.
I am deeply saddened by this news.
I knew Richard’s health had been declining, yet he continued to celebrate life and persevere with daily efforts—walking every day with his wonderful Kathleen along Willows Beach, where I would often see them. He always carried a calm and insightful presence.
Richard was instrumental in developing PacificSport’s athlete and coach services, which in time evolved into the Canadian Institute of Sport Pacific. In particular, he orchestrated the alignment of sport science and medicine with training schedules, guided by a clear vision of optimal health and performance strategies. I was honoured to be mentored by him and to work closely alongside him over many years—first reviewing Dr. Wenger’s valuable proposal for sport science services, including strength and conditioning, physiology, psychology, and nutrition, and later engaging with coaches’ perspectives and listening to athletes’ needs.
This collaboration led the National Triathlon Centre to embrace Richard’s initiative to integrate a modified athlete education toolkit and medical insurance system. Under his guidance, we began to see real impact. Within a year, “away-from-training time” decreased significantly as athletes learned to care for themselves more effectively and coaches supported the benefits of this integrated approach. The initiative was soon replicated across all PacificSport’s National Sport Centres.
In time, Richard’s work laid the foundation for what coaches and athletes identified as the most important sport science and medicine services at the time. Each national sport centre would include a lead doctor who coordinated all services and maintained a national athlete database—Richard played a key role in linking these files across Canada and between providers. This database became essential for supporting athletes who moved or trained in different provinces. Athletes also gained access to physiotherapists and physiologists responsible for testing, monitoring, and collaborating within the medical team. Over the years, additional services such as nutrition, biomechanics and psychology were integrated into the sport science and medicine programs available to athletes and coaches.
Richard continued to work closely with rowing, leading regular meetings between sport science, medicine, coaches, and athletes. He was a true professional—dedicated to serving the sporting community and advancing academic programs.
I remember him riding his bike to the lake, then back downtown to the clinic, and later to UVic.
He played music.
He shared his knowledge and experience generously.
And he always carried a quiet strength—a presence that spoke of integrity, loyalty, and a deep care for his family, the athletes, coaches, and community he served so faithfully.
With deepest sympathy and respect to Kathleen and the family.
It is with deep gratitude and sadness that I honour the life and legacy of Richard, a remarkable mentor, and friend who (along with lovely Kathleen) has left an indelible mark on my life.
Richard was a true guide and sage advisor. His encouragement opened doors I never thought possible and his mentorship shaped my career, creating wonderful opportunities.
I remember the twinkles of mischief in his sparkly eyes, his quick wit, and the joy of sharing a laugh. Those moments of levity and humour reminded me that wisdom and playfulness can live side by side, and that laughter, too, is a gift of healing.
Rest peacefully, Richard.
Thank you for everything you gave us.
Richard was such a warm and witty character. He was so tall, handsome and athletic. Amazing on his bike! He was kind, smart, talented, a fine musician too. He put his many talents to good use to make the world a better place. I first met him when I had a sports injury years ago and then got to know him through my friendship with Kathleen. He was grateful for his family and most of all, his supportive, encouraging, love of his life, Kathleen. Rest in peace Richard. Our sympathy and love to Kathleen and family.
What an amazing and wonderful man! I didn’t know him well, but you have occasion to be his patient a few times and was struck by his pragmatic approach and gentle humor. My heart goes out to you, Kathleen, I know you and your family will miss him terribly.
Thanks Richard for almost 50 years of friendship and inspiration. Whether it was pioneering a new route in Nepal or the Cascades, or in navigating the vicissitudes of the life of a committed individual, you were always a paragon of strength, reliability and wisdom. There was no ego, just a joy in sharing challenges and aspirations with a kindred spirit. My life is impoverished by your passing.