Michael "Mike" Backus

Feb 25, 1981 -

May 12, 2021

Michael Backus, 40, passed away unexpectedly on May 12, 2021, in Wasilla, Alaska.

As a lifelong Alaskan, Mike was born in Anchorage and grew up in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Following his graduation from Colony High School, he completed his Bachelor of Arts in economics, and his Master of Arts in education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Mike married his high school sweetheart, Tammy Heimerl, in 2002, and as newlyweds volunteered with the Peace Corps in Bangladesh. This August would have been their 19th anniversary. Mike enjoyed exploring this beautiful state with Tammy and their three children through hiking, kayaking, camping, orienteering and biking in all seasons. A favorite activity was staying in park cabins both near and far. Michael's infectious smile stands out most from photos taken on these outings.

Mike had a passion for robotics and programming which he shared through camps around the state. He enthusiastically taught at the Alaska Summer Research Academy, Alaska Society for Technology in Education conference, within his community and in China. Most recently, Mike was working as a teacher at Teeland Middle School, where he was awarded the Voya Unsung Heroes award in 2016 for his innovative teaching methods and positive influence. Prior to his time at Teeland, he was an academic advisor at Twindly Bridge Charter School, and taught math at Burchell High School. He dedicated himself to learning Spanish, putting these language skills into practice with a six-week family trip to Costa Rica in 2017.

Mike is survived by his wife, Tammy; three children, Xander, Kielee and Kaija; father, Gene; mother, Therisa; sister, Ingrid, and his extensive extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Teeland Middle School beginning at 10 a.m., on Saturday, May 22, 2021. He will be laid to rest in the Palmer Cemetery following a private graveside service.

If you or someone you know needs to talk, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Hotlines: 1-907-376-2411; 1-907-258-7575; 1-800-784-2433.

Arrangements by Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla.