Edward Franklin Backes

Edward Franklin Backes September 3, 1931 to May 5, 2017

Ed was 85, of El Cajon & San Diego, passed peacefully at the new Kaiser Permanente Hospital. Born in Trenton, N.J. he worked 18 yrs for General Motors as an Engineer and then moved with his family to El Cajon, CA were the remainder of his career was with the Lakeside Union High School District and retired in 2000. In 2010 he moved to San Diego, CA

Ed enlisted in the United States Army 1947 to 1951 and again in 1954 to 1957. During his Army service he fought in the Korean War. He received two Honorable Discharges.

In his early years Ed loved underwater diving and was the Captain of the first Underwater Diving Unit that consisted of qualified divers, with a boat crew fully equipped for rescue work that included the Delaware River and Canal.

He was active in Free Masonry and believed in their principals and teachings. He was a Past Master of Heartland Masonic Lodge No. 576 F. & A.M., a life member of Scottish Rite Bodies and a member of Al Bahr Shrine. He served many years as their Chaplin and holds the title of Chaplin Emeritus, also on the Divan 2010 & 2011. Ed belonged to many of the Shrine Units and Clubs, served as President in the Tin Lizzles 1986, the Past Masters 1993, Islanders 2009, and Mount Laguna Shrine Club. He belonged to the Sons of the Desert, at one time the Mounted Patrol. He held membership in Club Shiner De La Paz Y Los Cabos A.C. Baja California Sur, Mexico. He also was a member of El Cajon Elks Lodge 1812, and the San Diego County Honorary Deputy Sheriff's Association.

Later in his life his greatest pleasure was San Jose del Cabo, Mexico where he had a time share on the beach at the Royal Solaris Resort. He would schedule 3 weeks at a time at least 2 or 3 times a year. He always had his favorite Palapa on the beach where he enjoyed the entire day. During his many trips to Cabo he fell in love with the hand carved Iron Wood sculptures and became a collector. His collection consisted of over 50 turtles, Eagles, Condors, a replica of his German Shepherd and many more animals in all sizes.

Ed was preceded in death by his first wife Elaine Carol and son Kenneth Paul, He remarried Georgina Chadrow Muir and they enjoyed 7 years together. He is survived by a daughter Karen Castaldi, husband Dave and two granddaughters Diana and Stephany and a Stepdaughter Andrea Muir.

Masonic Services will be held Monday, May 15, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Al Bahr Shrine Center, 5440 Kearny Mesa Rd. San Diego, CA 92111. Ed and Elaine's remains will be placed together in the Miramar National Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Al Bahr Shrine Transportation Fund.