A Family's Trail Tribute

​Everyone has their own stories along the trails, but for the Backman family, the pathways are a sweet reminder of a loved one gone too soon. On April 24th, 2024, brother, son, and friend, Jeremy Backman, lost his life to undiagnosed diabetes at 37 years old. Described by his family as passionate, unique, and outdoorsy, Jeremy was often seen riding his bike along the trails. 

Simply put, Jeremy loved spending time on his bike, especially on the trail system. He would jump on the River Trail near Austin Engineering in Mills and next thing you know, the trails would take him across town near Crossroads Park. According to his family, his love for the pathways extended beyond collecting miles and building jumps on his bike. He walked his beloved dogs in Morad Park and enjoyed skateboarding across every inch of available pavement. The trails were always a place where he could just be himself.

After Jeremy’s passing, the Backman family knew they needed a way to remember and honor him. Together, they decided a memorial bench would be both a loving tribute and a dedicated spot for friends and family to visit and remember Jeremy. The Backmans conceptualized a bench that would highlight Jeremy’s passions and mark a significant point along the trails.

​In 2024, the bench was installed directly in front of the North Platte River, facing Casper Mountain, along the River Trail in Mills. Not only is the view from the bench perfectly framed by trees, but it sits across from an area where Jeremy was often seen riding his bike and building those jumps he loved so much. Most importantly, this was Jeremy’s favorite spot along the trail system.

We want the bench to experience life. We want to see little kids climb on it, elderly people sit there with their dogs, and be used for what it is, a place to relax and  enjoy the trails. We surely intend to meet down there as a family on special days and just remember Jeremy. We know it will be used by us, his grandparents, and his friends, but we hope strangers enjoy it, too. It's a great spot to sit, watch the sunset, or just listen to the birds. It's such a peaceful spot to reflect and remember our son.

Karl, Jeremy’s father.

​The dark green bench is personalized with Jeremy’s name, the day he was born, the day he left, and images of a skateboarder and BMX bike rider. The Backmans intend to visit the bench often to remember Jeremy, watch the sunset, connect with nature as he often did, and enjoy his favorite spot with him in mind.