JOHN HENRY BORGER,

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JOHN HENRY BORGER, B.Sc. (CE), P.Eng. 1943 2008 On Thursday, July 17, 2008, Henry Borger passed away after a year long battle with cancer. He is sadly missed by his children, Henry (Anita) and Kristin (Jamie); their mother Jill Borger; and his grandchildren, Emma, Lillian and Cooper who brought him much joy. He is also survived by his brothers Ralph and Gerald; sister Barbara Graham; and many nieces and nephews. Henry is predeceased by his son Timothy; his parents, John Henry and Barbara Borger; brother in infancy John Henry; brothers, Alan and Donald; brother-in-law Robert Graham and nieces Nancy Borger and Barbara Graham. Henry was born on January 12, 1943 in Winnipeg where he resided all of his life. He was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church and was confirmed at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer where he worshiped regularly, socialized with friends of the Walther League, sang in the choir, and served on the Council and Board of Trustees. Henry attended Kelvin High School, St. John's College, and in 1964 graduated with a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba. Henry worked with his father and brothers at Borger Brothers (1963) Limited and led the firm's growth into asphalt paving and aggregates. Henry later became General Manager and was active in labour negotiations for the industry. Henry sat on several committees of the Canadian Technical Asphalt Association and Manitoba Heavy Construction Association in which his technical knowledge and business acumen were of tremendous value. Henry loved classical music and was an accomplished pianist. As a young man he enjoyed curling, squash and golf and was a long-time member of the St. Charles Country Club. Henry traveled extensively, including several voyages on the QE2 and trips to Australia, South America, the Caribbean, and Europe, during which he established many lasting friendships. He loved to entertain, particularly at the family cottage at the Lake of the Woods. Later in life he resumed his interest in horseracing and delighted in the company of friends at Assiniboia Downs. The Church was a constant presence in his life and his steadfast faith provided welcomed comfort during his final days. The family would like to thank the aides and nurses who cared for Henry, especially Louise of the WRHA Palliative Care Program. The family is also grateful to Henry Nickel for the care and companionship that Henry valued so much. Funeral proceedings will occur at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 59 Academy Road, on Friday, July 25 at 1:00 p.m. Pastor James Scholz will officiate. Interment will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Avenue. Pallbearers will be his nephews, Alan, Ralph Jr., and Mark Borger, Robert and Matthew Graham, and family friend Mark Reisdorf. Honourary pallbearers will be Mel Fidler, Glen Simpson, Dennis Zelt, Gary Brazzell, and Henry Nickel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2B7 or a charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 21, 2008