William Simpson Backus

William Simpson Backus passed away peacefully on April 10th, 2026, at the age of 88. Bill was a man defined not only by his professional achievements but by his tremendous sense of humor, tireless work ethic, fierce loyalty to those he loved, and quiet strength with which he lived his life. He was an inspiration to many as a husband, father, grandfather, tenor, traveler, colleague, and friend.

Bill was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on November 1st, 1937, the only child of Robina (McFetridge Backus) Lenz and Thomas Simpson Backus. He graduated from Boardman High School and then pursued his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering at the Case Institute of Technology. While raising a family, he worked as an engineer from college graduation until purchasing a Travel Agency in 1990. He ran Millennium Travel until his retirement.

In 1963, Bill travelled to Europe with Ingersoll Rand, living first in Italy and then England, where he met and married Lindy in 1966. Two children, Samantha and Stephen Antony, followed soon thereafter. The family moved to Martinsville, NJ in 1974 before settling in Scituate, MA in 1979. Bill was an active member of the First Trinitarian Congregational Church where he sang in the choir. He and Lindy shared a love of travel, from a Honeymoon in Beirut to the Amalfi Coast and bazaars of Istanbul.

Above all else, Bill was devoted to his family. He was a steady presence, a source of wisdom and encouragement, and someone who showed his love through consistency and unwavering support. His loyalty ran deep, and the bonds he formed with family, friends, and colleagues lasted a lifetime. His legacy will continue through these incredible connections.

Outside of his professional life and dedication to his family, Bill enjoyed making people laugh, a good cocktail, and lifting his beautiful voice in song, but his greatest joy was spending time with the people he loved. Bill’s life was one of purpose, curiosity, and love. He showed those around him what it meant to work hard and live fully. His legacy lives on through the people whose lives he touched, the places he explored, and the friends and family who will carry his strength and spirit forward.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lindy (Ratcliff) Backus, his daughter, Samantha Backus, New Hampshire; his son, Stephen Antony Backus, Maine; his daughter-in-law, Holly Susan (Towns) Backus, Maine; his granddaughter, Alice Lilian Backus, Maine; and his grandson, Oscar Towns Backus, Maine.