Dr. Read Backus age 81 of Sylvania, Ohio died while playing Base Ball with the Sylvania Great Black Swamp Frogs! (Not really, but that was his introduction, so his family decided to keep it.) He lost a competitive battle with dementia on April 19, 2016 with his wife Dorie by his side.

Dr. Backus graduated from Muskingum College and St. Louis University School of Dentistry in 1960; he entered the Residency program at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown. Following his residency he served in the US Army Dental Corp from 1961-1963. He moved his family to Toledo to join his uncle’s dental practice in the old Toledo Hospital Doctor’s building. Read moved his practice to Sylvania (Southbrier Center) where it remained for 42 years before he retired in 2008. He and Dorie enjoyed dozens of cruises many with his son, David and daughter-in-law Amy.

Read was a Sylvania City Councilmember for 37 years and was joined on council by his daughter, Barbara, for ten of them. He helped lead and guide the city during its greatest development and prosperity period. Read had a passion for the community’s safety services and served as Safety Committee Chairman for 27 years.

Active in Boy Scouts of America for 50 years, starting in birthplace of Glassport PA, Read earned his Eagle Scout, Wood Badge, and Silver Beaver. Boating was family passion, it was considered competitive sport to see how quickly we could move from parked car to lines dropped and pushed away from the dock. A quick weekend or a 30-day trip, the boat was family time. His love for boating lead him to Toledo Power Squadron, for over 30 years his service included time as the Toledo Commander, District Commander and Stf. Commander of a National Committee for the United States Power Squadron.

Joining McCord Road Christian Church in 1966, the year after its founding (would have joined the first year - if they had a church softball team!) he served as Deacon, Elder and Treasurer. He was very passionate about serving the community and being actively engaged. His active involvement ranged from Sylvania Rotary, American Legion Post 335, Sylvania Community Services, SCAT, Toledo Zoo and a host of wonderful community organizations. He was a member of the Barton Smith Lodge F. & A.M. and was a 32-degree Mason.

One of the many opportunities he and Dorie had was to represent Sylvania at the Decommissioning of the USS Sylvania where they were presented with the ships bell for the City of Sylvania. A train collector all of his life, the City dedicated the Historical Train Barn in his name. As one of the original partners in Tam O’ Shanter in 1972 he enjoyed bringing hockey to the community.

Read lived an active and intentional life. An avid sportsman, playing baseball, softball, tennis, hockey, basketball, and bowling, Read loved boating, fishing, was an excellent pistol marksman, and pilot. But mostly he was a loving husband to his wife, Dorie, of 59 years; father of David Read Backus DDS (Amy) and Barbara Read Backus Sears; and grandfather of Hunter Read Sears, Benjamin Read Sears (Gina) and Andrew Earl Backus who will miss him dearly.

Friends are welcome at Reeb Funeral Home, Friday April 22, 2016 4:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday April 23, 2016 10:00am-11:00am. The funeral service will be at Reeb Funeral Home Saturday April 23, 2016 at 11:00am with a private interment following at Toledo Memorial Park. In celebration of his life and love of living, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or charity of donor’s choice. On line condolences may be left at www.reebfuneralhome.com