BOB BACKMAN – NEW LIFE MASTER FOR UNIT 355


Bob Backman of Sedona, Arizona, earned the Gold points he needed to achieve the coveted Life Master award this October in Tuscon, Arizona.

Bob was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He spent most of his life in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area. Bob has one son and a daughter. They have blessed him with 3 grandchildren who range from 3 years to 27 years old. Bob and wife Jeannie discovered Sedona in 1990, and developed a plan to retire here.

Bob worked for over forty years as self-employed home renovation and remodeling contractor. He is a certified kitchen designer. Bob also invested in property and continues to do rehabs/ rentals and sales of property in Sedona. He gutted and totally remodeled a home by himself.

In addition to home remodeling, Bob has enjoyed wheel pottery and sculpture at the Arts Center. He is an avid tennis player at the Racquet club and volunteers at the Elks Thanksgiving Dinner. He is known as the “Gravy Master”.

Pinochle was a favorite game in the Philadelphia area and Bob developed his skills at this game. When he arrived in Sedona in 1999, he learned that Bridge was the game in Sedona and decided to take up this game. First, he started with party bridge but soon graduated to the Duplicate game. He joined ACBL in 2003 and began his quest for the Life Master award.

Bob earned his Life Master the hard way. He never had a steady partner and often found his partners at the partnership desk. If you traveled to out of town tournaments, Bob was frequently there, from the first session of the day until the last. He was determined and his perseverance paid off.

Bob wishes to thank all the people who helped him achieve his goal. First are his esteemed teachers, Suzanne Wells and Peter Wahl. A Special thanks to Rollin Brewer who helped him find partners and encouraged Bob along the way. He also thanks Patricia Dodd, Jay Kavanaugh, Larry Green, Karen Villa, Jan Birkett, Marsha & Darryl Helton, as well as all those wonderful pickup partners from other locations who contributed to his goal.

Unit 355 wishes to Congratulate Bob and wish him continued success at the Bridge table.