GENESEE COUNTY/Family and friends hold a car parade in memory of a community member who was a friend to all

On Saturday afternoon, about 200 friends, family and community members held a Memorial Parade in Tim Backes’ honor, some “Tim Time” to remember all that he gave to those he crossed paths with.

Backes suffered a heart attack on December 16, 2020. Backes had just turned 39 in November, and was helping a friend install a fireplace when he passed away.

Tim was known for his love of his boys Sebastian, 11, and Giovanni, 8, and loved spending time with them. He loved snowmobile racing, lowered cars and especially being out on the water with friends, just enjoying the day and the sunsets.

No matter who it was, a stranger, a long lost friend, Tim was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. 

Hanson Aggregates, where Tim was employed, participated in the memorial parade also and presented Sebastian and Giovanni with hard hats and jackets after the parade.

Due to being in quarantine for COVID-19 until December 26th, Sebastian, Giovanni and some family members have been unable to leave their home, and today’s memorial parade provided some closure for family and friends.

Perry Bethune, Tim’s best friend and co-organizer of the parade, says you could never stay mad at Tim, he was an all around good guy.

“I miss his sense of humor and his personality, he was always a cheerful person, he was never in a pissy mood,” says Bethune.

“He could walk into a funeral and make everyone laugh, he knew everyone, everywhere, he was known from east to west coast.”

And if he didn’t know you, he would introduce himself according to co-organizer and favorite Aunt, Debra Conti who created the Facebook event page for the parade two weeks ago.

“He was very much so a people person,” says Conti.

“This is a memory that will last for his two sons forever. They didn’t get the closure that they needed for services, so I figured why not do a car parade to give them that closure.”