Allen "Pete" Rexford Backus, 60, of Sidney passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Bassett Healthcare of Cooperstown, NY.

Allen was born August 17, 1963 in Walton, NY the son of Andrew William and Mabel Alice (Tabor) Backus.

Allen, known by many as "Pete" grew up and attended school in Walton, NY. As a child, he enjoyed playing kick the can, football, baseball, playing the cello and riding his minibike with his many friends. In his teens, Allen took up auto body repair at BOCES in Masonville and worked for Danny Steinbacher in his body shop. Around 1980, his family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. While there, he worked as a roofer and was very good at installing clay tile roofs. He also worked as a cook at University Medical Center. He later managed a convenience store in nearby Reno, Nevada. After living in Nevada for nearly 40 years...Allen returned to New York in 2019 and settled in Sidney NY. While living there, he worked as a prep cook for a local pizzeria until his declining health prevented him from working.

Allen was a simple man with a big heart who really loved people. He was a very talented cook who was known for his quick wit and great sense of humor which he delivered with comedic timing in conversation. He was very well read and could carry on an informed conversation with people in all classes of society. Allen could talk to you about almost any subject, from the dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, to how to prepare a delicious meal. After moving back to New York in 2019, he loved spending time with his family and visiting his old friends. Although he was only a human being and battled some worldly addictions in life, as many of us do, he still believed in the higher power of God.

Allen is survived by 2 sons, Jeremy (Kathy) Steinbacher of Waverly, NY. Skyler Backus of Sidney, NY. A grandson, Hunter Steinbacher of Waverly, NY. A brother, Michael (Rhonda) Backus of Las Vegas, NV and a sister Andrea Backus of Sidney, NY. He is also survived by a niece and a nephew as well as several aunts, uncles cousins and longtime friends, Cindy (Steinbacher) Taft of Sidney Center, NY and Ty Steinbacher of Walton, NY.

He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Mabel Backus.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 10am to 11am at Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton where funeral services will be held at 11am with Pastor Robert Wilkie officiating. Burial will follow in Walton Cemetery, 55 Fancher Avenue, Walton.

Memorial contributions in Allen's memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Delaware County.