Rodman Backus, 82, Ran Flower Shop and Nursery

Rodman F. Backus, for many years the owner of Rod's Flower Shop and Nursery, died Friday, June 23, at his home on Pine street in Tisbury where he resided, ran his business and raised a family for the past 58 years. He was 82 years old.

With twinkling blue eyes, a gregarious wit, a contagious smile and overwhelming generosity, Rod became an iconic figure in Tisbury and on the Island. He loved to engage anyone and everyone in conversation and shared his love for life through his wonderful stories.

Rod was born June 14, 1924, in Pittsfield, the son of Anna Cornelia Hall and Rodman F. Backus Sr. He moved to Fall River at the age of 10 where he later attended Bristol County Agricultural School. Rod first came to the Island at age 16 for a summer internship at Blatchford Landscaping, returning each summer until he entered the Army in 1945.

Rod nobly served his country during World War II as a sergeant in the 63rd Infantry Division. In 1945 he received the Bronze Star medal for heroism by crawling 40 yards under German machine gun fire to rescue a wounded comrade. In 1946 he received the Distinguished Unit Badge for leading an attack on an enemy machine gun base. Later that year, he returned home on the Queen Mary, which was being used to ferry service personnel back from Europe.

In 1946, Rod moved to the Island. In February 1947, with an initial payment of $50, he bought the majestic house and four-acre plot that sits atop the hill at the end of Centre street. Walking across the wooden bridge the town used to put up after heavy rains at the corner of Centre and Main, he first glimpsed the beautiful local girl who would become his wife. "I'm going to marry that girl," he said to himself. True to his word, he and Hilda Jardin were married in November of that year. For the next 58 years Hilda and Rod provided a home for relatives, friends and tenants at the top of the hill.

The first 16 years of his Island career Rod spent working for "old man" Jimmy Morris at his flower shop on State Road in Tisbury. In 1963, Rod went into business for himself, establishing a quaint flower shop and nursery on his property. He also provided his daughters with a barn in which horses were kept - for the most part. It was not unusual to get a call at the Backus household at 2 a.m. from the Tisbury police: "Rod, can you please come get your horses. They were last seen heading down Main street."

Rod was very much a part of the Island community. He was a volunteer fireman, Boy Scout leader and prominent member of the Holy Ghost Society. Rod was many times the commander of the American Legion in Tisbury. For years he was a lector at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, where his thunderous, baritone singing voice was legendary. His devotion to his military service was also evident in church where, often to the consternation of his children, he proudly clicked his heels together and stood at attention before entering a pew.

After retiring from the garden business, Rod took a job at the Steamship Authority loading and unloading the luggage carts for travelers. He loved his work there and soon became known as Captain Luggage, a title he embraced. His Captain Luggage T-shirts can still be seen on the occasional Island visitor.

Rod is survived by his wife, Hilda R. Backus; three daughters and a son, Carol Osborne of Tisbury, Patricia Chauduri of Chester, N.H., Rhonda Backus of Edgartown and Rodman Backus 3rd of Chilmark; his brother, Edward Backus of Idaho; his sister, Anita Cimino of Oak Bluffs; seven grandchildren; five step-grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs on Friday, June 30, from 6 to 8 p.m.

A graveside military service provided by the Veterans of Martha's Vineyard will be held at the Oak Grove Cemetery, across from the Tisbury School, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 1. It will be officiated by the Rev. Michael Nagle. A gathering at the American Legion Hall on Martin Road in Vineyard Haven will follow; all are welcome.

Donations in memory of Rod may be made to the Vineyard Nursing Association, the American Legion, Hospice of Martha's Vineyard or the charity of your choice.