Longtime Stratford Lawmaker Terry Backer Dies

Longtime Stratford State Representative, and environmental activist, Terry Backer died Monday night at Bridgeport Hospital. He was 61.

The Connecticut Post reports Backer, a 12-term Democrat and renowned Long Island Soundkeeper, had a five-year battle with brain cancer and was admitted into Bridgeport Hospital last week. Doctors discovered last August that the brain tumor that was first treated in 2010 had returned.

Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey said that for more than two decades Backer “became one of the most beloved and colorful characters of the General Assembly.”

“His trademark denim attire reminded us he was never a traditional suit and tie guy, and that endearing image added perspective to every debate,” Sharkey said in a statement. “An acknowledged expert on environmental issues, and in particularly his treasured Long Island Sound, Terry garnered the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle, always articulating his views with flair. Terry was always willing to speak against the tide when he felt it was needed, yet was a team player that understood consensus was how to get things done.

“Even as he battled for his life, Representative Backer made it to the Capitol to fight for his constituents and for what he believed was right. I am lucky to have known Terry as our friendship developed over the years. He was truly one of those special people who figured out how to give back more than you take in a lifetime.”

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said Backer “made a difference.”

“A generation of public servants and advocates and citizens care more about protecting the quality of Connecticut’s air and water – especially Long Island Sound – because of Terry Backer,” Murphy said in a statement. “I count myself among those who fight a little harder for the health of Connecticut’s waterways because I knew Terry Backer, Connecticut’s one and only Soundkeeper, and didn’t want to disappoint him. His passion for the water, honed by the side of his father as they harvested shellfish for a living for decades, matured as he took on the official role as the state’s chief spokesman for Long Island Sound.”

Murphy said he last saw Backer a few weeks ago when he joined him at a press conference Murphy called to announce to his efforts to eliminate tiny plastic microbeads from personal care products.

“It’s a relatively obscure issue – but these small particles have the potential to ruin Long Island Sound and kill thousands of fish if we don’t get rid of them soon,” Murphy said. “Connecticut passed the strongest ban on microbeads in the nation this this past year thanks in large part to Terry. It’s one of those issues that I might not care about if it wasn’t for him.

“It was a cold day, and the event was outside. Terry waited in the car until it was his time to speak, and I had a feeling his illness might be getting the better of him. But he fought that cancer that was ravaging his brain for much, much longer than anyone thought he would, or could. Despite being so ill, he was there, shivering, standing with me on a beach on Long Island Sound, making one final pitch to preserve the waters that defined his life and career.

“And though I’m so sad he’s gone, I’m glad that’s the last time I saw him – standing on the shores of Long Island Sound, urging us all on to preserve his legacy. To his very last breath, the Soundkeeper.”

Backer also had the respect of Republicans across the aisle.

Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano and State Senator Kevin Kelly, who represents the town of Stratford, released the following statements:

“It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Representative Terry Backer, an influential and steadfast legislator,” said Fasano (R-North Haven). “As a fellow shoreline lawmaker, I greatly admired Terry’s tireless advocacy for the Long Island Sound and his fight to protect one of Connecticut’s most precious natural resources. He was incredibly dedicated. He was determined. He was a fighter. Terry Backer left a lasting impression on every lawmaker in this state. His legacy of environmental protection will forever be a part of our state, its history, and future policy.”

Kelly (R-Stratford) said:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of longtime public servant and friend, Representative Terry Backer. Through his many years representing Stratford in the Connecticut General Assembly, Terry fought tirelessly to protect our Long Island Sound. From helping to pass environmental legislation to raising money to protect the Sound he held so dear; Terry was a statesman and made our Town proud. His passing is such a loss to our region, our state and our neighborhood. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this difficult time.”

Photos courtesy of housedems.ct.gov