THE Lions Club of D’Urban Park, on Sunday held an Evening of Reflections on the life of the late Deborah Backer, PMJF (Past Melvin Jones Fellow) at the Guyana Girl Guides Pavilion, Brickdam, Georgetown.

Lion Deborah Backer, credited for her outstanding contribution to Lionism, was instrumental in forming the SS D’Urban Park Lions Club and on December 1, 1993 was installed Captain of the 25 member organisation. She served as Charter President of that Club from 1993-1995.
After a life of yeoman service to the organisation, Lion Backer died in active service on March 14, after just under one year of terminal illness.
Sunday’s forum in her honour saw scores of Lion members from other Clubs joining the Lions Club of D’Urban Park; Lion Backer’s husband, Mr. Steve Backer, and other immediate family members; International Lions Officers; members of the legal fraternity and other friends and well- wishers for a well-deserved Evening of Reflections. There were also power point presentations, graphically highlighting her dynamic work and contributions to Lionism.

Reflections on the Life of Ln Deborah Backer’s stewardship were rendered by Ln. Dawn Gregory and MJF Ln. Mena Carto. Others offering reflections included Ln. Shabir Hussein and other International Officers; Lion Zeleena Laurie MJF; Ln. Sadie Amin, MJF; and Ln. Maxine Cummings, PMJF, 1st VCG. Also officiating was Ln. Joycelyn Josiah.
In a deluge of tributes and reflections, Ln. Deborah Backer, dubbed ‘Captain Forever’ of Durban Park Lions, was remembered by Ln. Joycelyn Josiah as a friend, trail blazer and indeed a captain who never abandoned the ship. And as was admitted, “No matter who was at the helm, Debbie was the ‘Captain Forever’.”
Others remembered her as dynamic, jovial, charismatic, and a humble individual who demonstrated loyalty to the letter, and moreover, a great organiser. Her popularity, willingness to give of her time and substance to Lionism were rated as incredible. But yet, she was deeply committed to her family. She was a live-wire and had a great way of bringing people together with her laughter and tremendous wit, Ln. Dawn Gregory recalled. An active and influential member of the Lions, Attorney- at- Law, as well as Parliamentarian and until recently, Deputy Speaker of the House of the National Assembly, she was nonetheless a very private person, leading Ln. Gregory to describe her as a very ‘private’ public figure.
Ln Backer was remembered as a woman of many parts, of many achievements and with an amazing sense of humour. Down to earth, contented, reliable, honest, she was a no-nonsense person and was known to ‘tell it like it is’.
Meanwhile, International Officer, Ln. Pinkerton, referring to Backer as a stalwart in Lionism, added that the loss will run deep. Having been endowed with all the attributes of Lionism, he said Ln. Backer will be greatly missed as an excellent tail twister who could evoke laughter and one who carried a ‘twinkle in her eyes’.