Please Help Boaz Backus’ Recovery

In late February, chainsaw carver and auctioneer Boaz Backus  suffered a series of heart attacks so serious that he landed in the hospital where in hopes of saving his life, a stent was installed. It was a shock given that Boaz is extremely active, strong, in shape, and 55 years young. To say that nobody was prepared for him to suffer this way is an understatement. And least of all the unprepared is his mom, chainsaw carving pioneer Judy McVay, who fell critically ill in 2020 and is still recovering. Judy very much depends on Boaz; financially, for transportation, to facilitate her medical care and provide a stable environment where she can remain in the care of family. 

(left to right: Boaz, Judy, Steve, and Lynn circa late 70s.)


Living on a six-acre parcel in the boondocks of eastern Washington, COVID has been exceptionally difficult for this carving family. With festivals, fairs, and competitions on pause, Ocean City's Burning Bears festival was one of few opportunities Boaz had to earn a living this year. Scheduled to auctioneer and bring carvings to sell, unfortunately he couldn't attend due to the heart attacks and it became a missed opportunity in a year full of struggle. No doubt if the carvers who attended had known the serious peril Boaz was in, they would have pulled all stops to raise funds for his care on the spot — just as Boaz has done so very many times for others.


The last time I saw Boaz, we laughed so hard I cried and he poured me a shot of cheap whiskey, clinked my plastic shot glass, and gave cheers to our friendship. I imagine that’s the same Boaz you know and if so, you also know he has a heart of gold and helps everyone. And now he needs our help. When doctors placed the stent, they noted a 25% blockage of blood flow to Boaz’s heart and warned him post-surgery not to exert himself during recovery which could take months. Boaz needs our help and support right now as medical bills pile up, the mortgage is due, and we all know it’s going to get worse before it gets better.

(Boaz third from left, and the family at Kootenai Country Montana International Chainsaw Carving Championship, Libby, MT)



Boaz's Lynwood shop opened in 1990 and supported the work of over 100 carvers, was the first of its kind, and inspired other projects he took on like Ocean City Marketplace (the corner) where Ivan and Mona Haas continue to do a wonderful job carrying on his dream. He also started and helped start many competitions and auctions on the beach; Burning Bear, Green Lantern, and Sand and Sawdust with brother, Steve — to name a few. His contribution to the world of chainsaw sculpting started at age six when he began selling carvings for his family's booths at shows and has continued for nearly five decades. While he's carved thousands of pieces of art, he's best known for perfecting the art of chainsaw auctioneering. And during the hundreds of auctions he's facilitated, Boaz was instrumental in raising funds for charities and carvers in need that we estimate have generated tens-of-thousands of dollars in support over the years.


We greatly appreciate anything you can do to help in these times of trouble. And for more information on Boaz or the McVay-Backus family of chainsaw artists, please visit their website: Carve or Starve . If you'd like to send a card or contact Boaz by mail, please use the following address: Boaz Backus PO Box 294 Medical Lake, WA 99022.