In loving memory of
Harris Ivan Backman
It is with deep sadness that the family of Harris Ivan Backman, 85, of Bayswater, announce his passing on Monday, January 26, 2026, at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater.
Born in Halifax, Harris was the son of the late Ivan and Dorothy (Young) Backman.
Harris began his working career in the construction industry as a general labourer and worked his way up to General Superintendent, holding positions with several firms over the years. As times changed, Harris changed with them, later turning to fishing. He owned and operated his own vessel, the RDR Enterprise, and continued working in the inshore fishery until his health declined in 1996.
A forty years plus volunteer with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, Harris was later offered a paid position as an Operations Officer, a role he held for 14 years. He fully retired in 2014 at the age of 73.
Harris loved the sea and was deeply committed to giving back to those whose livelihoods depended on it. He participated in numerous rescue operations over the years, and during the Swissair Flight 111 disaster, he and his wife Audrey opened their home, which served as a base of operations for eight weeks.
Some of Harris’s fondest memories were of time spent on East Ironbound, where, as a youth, he enjoyed playing and growing up with his cousins. Later in life Harris thoroughly enjoyed taking his sons to hockey practice and hockey games and also teaching them about inshore fishing and safety on the water.
Harris is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Audrey; proud father to his sons Bryce (Christina) of Hilden, Nova Scotia, and Steven (Tania) of Aspotogan; and his grandchildren Cheyenne and Aliyah, as well as step-grandson Christopher.
Cremation has taken place. A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at All Saints Anglican Cemetery, Bayswater, with Pastor Danny Green officiating. In lieu of a reception, donations will be made by the family to The Alzheimers Society of NS and The Heart and Stroke Foundation of NS.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia would be appreciated by the family.
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SERVICES & GATHERINGS
Graveside Commital Service
All Saints Anglican Cemetery
June 20, 2026 11:00 am
4287 Hwy #329 Bayswater, NS
All Saints Anglican Cemetery
4287 Hwy #329 Bayswater, NS
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My condolences to you and your family.
I always liked Harris. He was the first fisherman I met when I worked at Karlsens . I was 18 and my first job. He was so nice to me.
I will always remember him.
Very nice man .
Dear Audrey, Bryce, & Steven
Sending our sincere heartfelt condolences. May the memories you all have of him comfort you.
To the family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad and husband. You’ll have many happy memories to draw on, as you miss him. He was always very happy to greet me, kind and supportive in any interactions I had with him. I know he’ll be missed in your lives going forward and in the community. Sincere condolences to you all.
My condolences on the loss of your Dad.
I’m so sorry to hear of Uncle Harris’s passing. I have so many memories of him growing up. The one that stands out the most is when Dad and I put a plastic lobster in one of his traps while out in the boat. He knew it was us and I think he brought it up almost every time I saw him, we had many laughs about this over the years and it makes me smile every time I think about it. Hold your memories close. Thinking of all you during this difficult time.
Dear Audrey, Bryce & Steven,
I was so sorry to hear of Harris’s passing and want to send my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to you and your family. I have such fond memories of Harris from my youth. Harris had a special ability to turn a regular conversation into a captivating story that you could not help but enjoy listening to him. I always looked forward to his visits to our home, because I knew there would always be some good stories and lots of laughs too. Thinking of you all and holding you close in my thoughts.
Dear Audrey,
Sending our sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your loved one. We will always remember Harris being up for a chat whenever our paths crossed.
Randall and Marsha Mailman