Richard J. Back

Richard J. "Dick" Back, 62, of Sanford, died April 27 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after a brief illness.He was born in Bath on June 6, 1947, the son of Thomas and Rebecca (Smith) Back. He attended Bath schools and was a graduate of Morse High School. After attending the University of Maine at Presque Isle, he graduated from Ricker College in Houlton.Dick married Marjorie Ferris on November 20, 1971, lived in Bath briefly, then in the Pittsburgh, PA area for several years and finally settled in Sanford in 1981 where he has been employed by the Baker Company.Dick's passion was youth athletics. He served for over 20 years with the Sanford Springvale Youth Athletic Association in various capacities including as board president. He coached 7th grade football at the Sanford Junior High School for several years. Dick was a football referee and a softball umpire, working games at all levels from youth leagues through the varsity level in high school. He also enjoyed ice fishing.He was active in the former Sanford Men's Softball League as a player and then for many years as an umpire. He was a member of the Maine Association of Football Officials, Southwestern Maine Chapter, and the Western Maine Softball Umpires Association. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie J. Back and a daughter Shelley Back, both of Sanford, a son, Thomas E. Back of Manchester, NH, and a sister Karen Bussey of Bath.Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4-7 PM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Bath.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the MGH Lung Transplant Program, c/o Leo Ginns, MD, 55 Fruit Street, White Building Room 905, Boston, MA 02114 . Condolences may be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.