It is with broken hearts that our family announces the passing of Marven Backen at the age of 73 on Friday, September 6. Marven passed away peacefully with family by his side after a long, hard fought battle with cancer.
Marven was the fifth of six children and the only boy born to Haakon and Lucy Backen. He was born on December 9, 1950. He was raised in Current River and remained a Current River boy all his life.
In 1966, he met the former Teena Ferguson and they were married on May 29, 1971, enjoying over 53 years together.
Marven began employment with Abitibi Provincial Papers in 1969 and remained at the mill until its closure in 2006.
Marven was an avid Boston Bruins fan. Over the years he attended many of their games including a couple in Boston. He was also a fan of the Patriots and Red Sox.
Marven, Teena and daughter Tanis enjoyed many years of camping at Kopka Lake with family and friends. In 2000 the decision was made to move their trailer to Whitefish Lake Resort. They would often have their grandchildren along with them. Here they met many friends who became more like family. Up until the last day he could be out there, Marven enjoyed nothing more than to relax in his chair on the deck and chat with friends.
Marven will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his wife Teena, his daughter Tanis, his grandchildren, who he loved more than anything, Seth Monty, Jazmyn Monty and Danny Ray.
Also survived by his sisters Judy (Art) Lavoie, Bev (Jim) Sherlock, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Fran (Spike) Thompson, Eileen Harju, Pat Rogala, Linda Pykari, Susan (David) Smith, Lori (Gary) Squier, Ed Leeson, Peter Eaves. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and their families.
He is predeceased by his parents Haakon and Lucy Backen, sisters Barb Leeson, Sharon Backen and Debbie Eaves, in-laws Jim and Nessie Ferguson, brothers-in-law Arnold Harju, Stan Pykari, Barry Dornan, nephews and niece, Shawn and Darwin Lavoie, Tracy Campbell, Darryl Harju.
We wish to thank Dr. Chan, Dr. Ramchandar, Dr. Ward, Dr. Simpson and staff of the cancer clinic, Dr. Walid, Shahrour of Superior Urology Clinic, Dr. Sinnemaki, Richard MacKenzie N.P., Dr. MacLean, nurses of ParaMed and VON for the care given to Marven throughout his illness. To M.A.I.D, thank you for allowing Marven to leave so peacefully. To our families, thank you for your support through this journey. Last but not least, thank you to our camp family who have helped us over the last eight years to make it easier for Marven to continue to enjoy the place he loved to be.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 6:00pm at the Current River Community Centre, 450 Dewe Ave. Please wear your favourite jersey (even if it’s Montreal).
In lieu of flowers donations to TBRHSC Cancer Clinic or the Thunder Bay District Humane Society would be appreciated.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
