header 1
header 2
header 3

In Memory

Martin Backer

Martin Backer

Martin Spencer Backer

August 4, 1948 — December 5, 2023

Martin Spencer Backer, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on December 5th 2023 after a long hard battle with heart failure.

The oldest child of Martin August Backer and Phoebe May Spencer, Marty was born on August 4th, 1948 in Salt Lake City. He was blessed with loving parents, three siblings, and a happy childhood. He grew up in the family business, Mrs. Backers Pastry Shop, working there from a very early age, until his passing. He and his wife, Renee, bought the business from his parents in 1983. In the years since he received many recognitions for his beautiful and delicious work including the "Governor's Mansion Artists Award of Excellence," "Best in State," and was an "Honored Professional" in the Who's Who of Executives.

Although he loved the bakery, his greatest joy was his family. He married Renee Garber Rowlette in 1973 in the Salt Lake Temple and they were blessed with two sons and two daughters. He adored his children and nine grandchildren, spending as much time with them as possible. He loved being a father and a grandfather. His children Wade and Stefanie, worked alongside him in the bakery for many years and he was very proud of them when they purchased the business and added many of their own strengths and talents. 

Marty was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission to the Central States including Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Iowa and Illinois. He held many church callings over the years but particularly enjoyed serving and teaching in the young men's program. He was always involved with service projects, scouting and sports. And he taught countless lessons by his example and generosity. 

He loved horses- riding, raising, training and even competing with them. Going for long, leisurely horse rides brought him relaxation and peace. Often, hours spent riding horses also involved having long conversations with children, grandchildren, and friends. 

Marty was a remarkable survivor even when he knew the end was near, he used his remaining strength working to benefit his family and lighten their load.

His greatest heartache and sadness was the passing of his oldest daughter, Tammy, in 1984 and his youngest son, Ty, in 2017. It was a void that he felt every day of his life.

Dad, your work clothes are worn out. Put them aside, leave your weary body, climb on your horse and ride home. Have a joyful reunion with your son and daughter and be at peace. Until we meet again…

Martin is survived by his wife of 50 years, Renee Backer, son M. Wade (Sandy) Backer, daughter Stefanie (Dan) Anjewierden and Daughter in law Jamie Backer, sister Betsy Backer and Brother Gerry (Bear) Backer and grandchildren Jenessa, Harvey, Luke, Emabelle, Jane, Martin, Blake, Avelynn and Quentin He was preceded in death by his daughter Tammy Renee Backer son Tygh John Backer, Parents Martin and Phoebe Backer and brother Russell Backer.

 
go to bottom 
  Post Comment

12/23/23 08:48 PM #1    

Kathy Schoenhals (Feigal)

Linda Bud sent in this intersting article about Backer's Bakery!

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2022/10/9/23331469/mrs-backers-pastry-shop-salt-lake-city-history


12/24/23 01:44 PM #2    

Candace Hyde (Wang)

We always had beautiful Backers cakes for birthdays with gorgeous roses and flowers all over them and yummy pinapple filling. Backers made many happy times for people in Salt Lake. RIP Martin.heart


12/24/23 03:34 PM #3    

Jesse Fox

When I saw Marty's obituary, I genuinely felt a loss. He was a good friend that I knew most of my grade school life. Though our paths didn't cross very often after graduation, I always felt that friendship we had. When I turned 40 and felt that I was "so old", Ginny had him make me a birthday cake. He didn't just do a nice one, he made me a masterpiece complete with a gravestone that said "rest in peace" and over the top of that was a huge raven appearing ready to perch. It was a work of art and was made for me by a man who seemed to care about me. I love him for that and so enjoyed reading about how gentle but accomplished he was. Ginny and I will miss him. It was nice being in his sphere, even a little.

Jesse Fox


go to top 
  Post Comment