Ralph V. Backman, 87, who was South High School principal for 21 years, died Saturday, March 28, 1991, in Salt Lake City.
Dr. Backman, who was South's principal from 1948 to 1969, joined the faculty at Westminster College after he retired from a career with the Salt Lake School District that spanned more than 40 years. At Westminster, he was an education professor and special assistant to the academic vice president. He retired in 1991.During his 42 years with the school district, he was a social science teacher and coach at Irving Junior High School and South High School. He introduced the state's first high-school psychology courses in the early 1930s. He was also South's dean of boys and one of the district's first male counselors for boys. Dr. Backman served as the district's director of adult and vocational education.
At the University of Utah, Dr. Backman was lecturer in the department of educational administration and designed and taught philosophy of education courses for the Division of Continuing Education.
He was involved with numerous professional and civic organizations. Dr. Backman was president of the Salt Lake Teachers Association, Salt Lake Administrators and Supervisors Association and chairman of the State "A" Schools Principals Association. He was also a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Mental Health and the Utah Association of Mental Health.
The educator received numerous awards during his lengthy career. In 1986, he was given an honorary doctor of letters degree from Westminster College.
Memorial services will be held Thursday afternoon at Westminster College. Location and time are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Youth Village.