Robert Brian Backman

SIOUX CITY -- R. Brian "Bubba" Backman, 42, of Sioux City died unexpectedly from severe coronary artery disease Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, at his residence.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, November 11, 2010 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, with the Rev. James Bruch officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 6 to 8 p.m. today, with a vigil service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Brian was born July 12, 1968, in Sioux City, the son of Robert and Diane (Rose) Backman. He attended St. Michael's Grade School in South Sioux City. He graduated from Heelan High School in 1986. He played football for Heelan. He then attended Wayne State College. He worked for Gateway, Oriental Trading Co. and Wells Blue Bunny before starting his own business, Distinctive Touch Painting.

He enjoyed weight lifting and singing Patsy Cline songs at karaoke. He had a contagious personality. If he wasn't making you laugh, he would be giving you a special Latin blessing. His smile would light up a room and he was always the life of the party. We will never forget your warm greetings brother, cousin. He was always laughing and coming up with a new Bubbaism, which will live on forever. He was caring, giving, loving and everyone's best friend. Bubba loved his dog, Gypsy. He felt the first time he saw her that she was supposed to be with him and that she was sent from heaven.

Survivors include a sister, Christine Ayers and her fiance, Gary Townsley of Sioux City; a brother, Patrick Backman and his wife, Penny of Yankton, S.D.; a niece and two nephews, Melanie Boardman and her husband, Garrett, Mark Ayers Jr. and Alex Huber; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Rebecca Beamesderfer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Hoefling, Dan Curry, Mark Moran, Matt Dunbar, Matt McInerney and Kenny Meyers.