Richard Rahn Backes

Richard "Dick" Rahn Backes, 89, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025. Born on April 18, 1936, in Sterling, Colorado, to Eldred “Bud” and Fran Backes, Dick lived a remarkable life rooted in family, education, and the great outdoors.

Dick attended Colorado State University where he received his undergraduate degree, followed by receiving his Master’s degree at the University of Northern Colorado. UNC is where he met and started dating Ellen Green of Padroni, CO (just outside of Sterling).

On August 28, 1960, Dick married Ellen (Green) Backes, the love of his life and his constant companion for 64 years. Together, they built a beautiful life—full of family, purpose, and adventure. From their home in Colorado to travels to many global locations, the two were rarely apart. At ages 80 and 78, they even rode mules to the bottom of the Grand Canyon—an experience that had friends and family asking, “Why not sooner?”

He considered himself incredibly fortunate to share his life with a loving and close-knit family. Dick is survived by his beloved wife Ellen and their three sons and families:

Keith (58) and wife Kristi, with grandchildren Christian, Braden, and Chance;

Kent (55) and wife Kelly, with grandchildren Henry and William;

Kurt (53) and wife Leah, with grandchildren Bergen and Rigzton.

Dick spent his life with family, including his brother Larry and sister-in-law Pat Backes; his in-laws Sam and Linda Green, Charles and Kathy Green, and Cleone and Bob Haferman; as well as a wide circle of cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Dick made a point to stay connected—sharing stories, making memories, and spending time with each of them as often as he could. His love for family was constant, genuine, and joyfully expressed.

A passionate educator, Dick devoted over three decades to teaching science in the Littleton Public Schools—most notably at Arapahoe High School (AHS), where he was part of the inaugural faculty in 1964 and taught until his retirement in 1991. During many of those years, he shared the school halls with Ellen a librarian at AHS, making the experience all the more meaningful. Even after retiring, Dick remained a fixture at AHS as a full-time substitute for many additional years. He took great pride in offering support and encouragement to generations of students with his trademark warmth, quiet wisdom and fun sense of humor.

Above all else, Dick found joy in being present for his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a soccer, lacrosse, basketball, football or baseball game, band performance, or video production, Dick and Ellen were always in the audience—cheering, smiling, and soaking in every moment. His pride in their achievements—academic, artistic, and athletic—was endless.

Dick also cherished the outdoors. A lifelong fly fisherman, skier, and spent hours walking fields in his younger years hunting with his beloved dog, Duke. His love of nature was matched only by his curiosity and humility, and he shared both generously with those around him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dick’s memory to the Arapahoe High School Science Department—a tribute to his enduring commitment to education and student success. Please use this link to show your support http://spot.fund/px834wcsc

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 29 from 1:00pm through 4:00pm in the clubhouse at South Suburban Golf Course located at 7900 S. Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80122.

He will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered—for his gentle spirit, his devotion to family, and the legacy of love and learning he leaves behind.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Rahn Backes, please visit our floral store.