Tracy J. Backstrand
July 18, 1962 ~ May 28, 2010
Resided in:
Canon City, CO
Tracy J. Backstrand, 47, of Canon City, Colo., passed away May 28, 2010. Survived by her parents, Calvin and Mary Jane Johnson of Pueblo; siblings, Tami (Dennis) Brennan; Geoffrey (Natalie) Johnson and Greg (Sherry) Johnson; niece and nephew, Makenna and Hunter Johnson; mother-in-law, Marcia Backstrand and family; aunt and uncle, Kenneth and Carol Schafer and many relatives from Indiana; and her dear friend, Twiggy. Preceded in death by her husband, James Mark Backstrand on May 23, 2010; and her brother, Calvin Scott Johnson. Tracy was born July 18, 1962, in Vincennes, Indiana. She loved all animals, was a pet groomer, and a registered respiratory therapist. Tracy was athletic: she especially enjoyed running, camping and just being out in the Colorado mountains. There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service, 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church of Pueblo, 220 W. 10th St., with Pastor Patrick Hurley officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to PAWS For Life Animal Shelter of Pueblo through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
Calvin and Mary Jane:
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet daughter Tracy.
Slats
My first memory of a Big family was The Johnson family. Calvin is my father’s Best friend and has remained his idol throughout his life. All of the Johnson family represent full out and full of life. I visited colorado after growing up with them in Vincennes and visiting them in Princeton when I was a youngster . I will never forget our trip to Pikes Peak and how beautiful and kind Tracy was. Our whole family knows the love of your family and your faith will get you through and All of these people and so may more are thinking of you all often. my father was very close to Tracy and I am still consoling him daily. Godspeed, Brent.
I used to work at the BLM Front Desk. Every morning Tracy would drop Jim off for work, they would kiss goodbye.
My Dearest Calvin and Mary Jane, I was absolutely shocked and dumbfounded when I read your e-mail regarding sweet, lovely Tracie. I thought the world of her and loved seeing her when I went to have the pups groomed. I will be there for you and I will pray for you and your family. I am deeply saddened and hold you all dear in my heart. I will forever see her lovely smile and her hear warmth of love for you and your family. She is with “our” angels…
I love you both,
Susie
Although it has been years since I have seen Tracy I have so many fond memories of being in the family home on Bonforte and her infectious laugh and love of life. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Calvin, Mary Jane, Tami and Dennis, Greg and Sherry, Makenna, Hunter, Geoff and Natalie:
I am still stunned by Tracy’s passing. I knew of no one with more sparkle and life than Trace. I will remember her smile, her grace, her Irish Pub story she told Scotty when he needed to “cool off” in the hospital. Her love for all of you.
I have always been in awe of the love one feels when they walk into the Johnson household. Love for each other and love for their visiting friends. I think of Scotty often, and stop to see him from time to time. Now I can just imagine how excited he is to see Trace and to finally meet Jim after watching over them for so many years.
Please know, although we have drifted, I have always loved your family. Never more than now.
Dave
Dear Calvin, Mary Jane, Tami and Dennis, Greg and Sherry, Makenna, Hunter, Geoff and Natalie: I am still stunned by Tracy’s passing. I knew of no one with more sparkle and life than Trace. I will remember her smile, her grace, her Irish Pub story she told Scotty when he needed to “cool off” in the hospital. Her love for all of you. I have always been in awe of the love one feels when they walk into the Johnson household. Love for each other and love for their visiting friends. I think of Scotty often, and stop to see him from time to time. Now I can just imagine how excited he is to see Trace and to finally meet Jim after watching over them for so many years. Please know, although we have drifted, I have always loved your family. Never more than now. Dave
Dear Johnson family,
So very sorry for your loss. Tracy was a beautiful person both inside and out. I have many fond memories. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Pam S. Day-Rafter
To Tracy’s family,
My heart is aching for all of you during this difficult time. The short conversations I had with Tracy showed me what a kind, compassionate, and loving person she was. I, along with the BLM staff, are among the many who are thinking of you today with sympathy too deep for words to say. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help ease your pain. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Mr and Mrs Johnson and family,
I was socked and saddened deeply to hear of the loss of Tracey. I, like others, was so looking forward to reconnecting this summer at the reunion. I remember the fun times of high school- running, laughing, trading clothes, dancing in your living room to the BeeGee’s and our huge buffet dinners. Know that Tracy was loved, and held a special spot in my heart.
Dearest Family of Tracy Johnson Backsrtand,
I join with so many others who knew Tracy in offering my deepest sympathy on her passing. I remember her lovely smile, and of course, her long flowing hair. I remember her returning from her long distance runs at East high school.
The measure of a life well-lived is not in how much money one has or what possessions they have accumulated, but rather through the lives they touched and the sorrow they leave behind. If the outpouring of sympathy on her loss is any indication, and it most certainly is, you can confidently say that Tracy’s life indeed, was a life well-lived.
May you find peace and comfort in knowing that her loss is felt by all who knew and loved her.
In Sympathy,
Joanne Shatford-Adams
Osaka Japan
our thoughts and prayers are with all of tracy’s family and loved ones-we are so sorry-may your love and memories bring you peace and comfort. alys and jim
Dear Mary Jane, Calvin, and Family,
I am heartbroken at the loss of Tracy and the sadness you are experiencing, and I know that she will be missed by you and many others.
My memories of Tracy are full of her beautiful smile, carefree laugh, and fun-loving personality. It always surprises and saddens me how important we once were to each other yet still we lost touch.
You are in my thoughts. Please know how deeply your loss is felt by all.
Colette
i have just heard the news and sadness does not describe my emotions. please know tracey was always in my heart and always will be… and my deepest sympathy to all of you… you know how much you have always meant to me. much love and God bless you all .. pam robinson
Mary Jane,Calvin & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Although I haven’t seen Tracy for years, I remember what a sweet child she was when she used to come to Mother’s to play with Betsy. My heart goes out to you and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I met Tracy at Jim’s service (but only on the phone at the BLM)– and when my eyes met hers, and her loving smile, I knew she was a very special person. It was obvious why Jim lived her so. She was his guardian angel and will continue to be so. My thoughts and prayers will be with all who are here to move forward with strength and courage at this difficult time.
Dear Mr.and Mrs.Johnson and Family, We are so very sorry and sad to hear about Tracy. It was always a delight to see her at Puppy Love’s. She loved our “Cinnamon” and gave her that special love and care. Tracy would always come out to greet us with that beautiful smile of hers. We will treasure those times forever and we will miss her. Robin was heartbroken and saddened.
She was hoping to see Tracy at the class reunion.
We have been on the phone with Robin thinking of you and your family; keeping you in our hearts and prayers.Tracy visited us last January in our home where we had the chance to reminisce the fun times she and Robin had for so many years. Bob & I have admired how often we had seen her car at your place knowing that she was taking great care of you in her special ways. Tracy is a tremendous loss. If there is anything that we can do for you in the days to come, please let us know–we are only a few blocks away. Our deepest sympathy.
Bob and Karen Hayes
Jim’s BLM friends and co-workers deeply mourn the sudden loss of Tracy. I know Jim deeply loved her although he was too private a man to say it out loud.
In nights outside waiting for some elusive owl to show up, Jim spoke of Tracy’s love of all animals. Know, our pain is now doubled and we hold Tracy and Jim’s families close in our thoughts.
I am so saddened to hear about Tracy. I have thought of her often with love and wonderful memories of laughing and running and getting into trouble. Am so glad she and I spoke last year and was so looking forward to seeing her at the reunion. My heart and prayers are with her family.
I am so saddened to hear about Tracy. I have thought of her often with love and wonderful memories of laughing and running and getting into trouble. Am so glad she and I spoke last year and was so looking forward to seeing her at the reunion. My heart and prayers are with her family.
Mr and Mrs Johnson and family,
I am so heartbroken for you. This is a horrible loss, and while I haven’t been in touch with Tracy for years, I was so looking forward to seeing her at the reunion this summer. She was a gorgeous, fun, lovely person with all that beautiful blonde hair! We all had so much fun in high school and I recall all those memories with great laughter and fondness. Please know that you all are in our hearts with sincere prayers for strength. May you comfort each other and know how many people are keeping you close in our hearts.
Marliss Stahle Gruver
Johnson Family,
My heart is very heavy. I am so sorry to hear of Tracy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all,
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Johnson and family, I am so very saddened to hear of Tracy’s passing. Although we had lost touch over the years, I thought fondly of her and often. I am sorry we lost touch. She was a beautiful person. My sincere condolences to you all. Dee Dee Richardson and the Richardson Family
Mary Jane and Calvin: I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your precious daughter. I remember how pretty and sweet she was. My family will be praying for you. Love Patty Tiffany Emerson