Basil C. "Billie" Backford

Aug 6, 1930 -

Jan 29, 2023

Billie Backford, a lifelong fisherman and veteran of the Korean War, passed away, at the age of 92, in Anchorage, Alaska. He was born in Nushagak, Alaska, and spent his last years residing with his daughter in Anchorage, where he was close to medical care. Billie celebrated his 92nd birthday at the Alaska Aviation Museum Lake Hood Tower with close family and friends, where he shared memories and enjoyed the company of loved ones.

Billie married Mary in Dillingham, Alaska, in December 1965, witnessed by friends Harry and Daisy Barnes. He inherited his wife Mary's setnet and fished until 2020, spending summers at Ekuk through 2022. Billie also held many jobs in his lifetime, including working for the City of Dillingham and living and working in Seattle, Wash., with his young family in the late 1960s. He learned to fly floatplanes at Lake Washington and enjoyed reminiscing and watching planes at Lake Hood. For a season, he fished crab for the experience and worked for the Ekuk Cannery.

Billie was in the Army during the Korean War from 1952-54 and received an honorable discharge and eight years reserve. He attended St. Herman Theological Seminary in Kodiak, Alaska. He built a dog mushing team and competed during Beaver Round-up in Dillingham and other Bristol Bay village races. He enjoyed reading, watching the news and Undercover Boss. He read about his orthodox faith, home building, woodworking, plumbing, mechanics and DIY projects. He built his first home, made additions, built the first Ekuk fish cabin out of pallets and built a small house for sale. He loved to visit, tell stories, tease and share his insights. He said always look up, talk to each other, get along and eat dessert!

Billie is survived by his children, Ida M. Backford, Basil J. Backford, Tanya Kvasnikoff and Constantine Backford; stepdaughters, Janet (Patrick) Clinton, Patricia (Steve Kohler) Heyano; godson, Harry Barnes Jr.; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Billie was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years Mary; parents, Constantine and Elena; stepmother, Anna; brothers, Keefa, Agafangel, Benjamin (Gertie); and sisters, Ann (Charles "Chuck"), Vera "Suni" (Nels), Helen (Fr. Basil), Minnie Dora (Kavalila) and Alexandra "Sassa." Billie was laid to rest beside his wife Mary at St. Seraphim of Sarov Woodriver Cemetery after a funeral service at St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church in Dillingham on Feb. 4, 2023.