JOSEPH ANDRE REAL BORGIA (RAY)

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JOSEPH ANDRE REAL BORGIA (RAY) Ray Borgia, 78, of Winnipeg, MB, passed away February 17, 2014, with dignity and grace in the presence of his loving family. Ray is survived by his loving wife, Maroah (nee Comberbach), of 40 years, and devoted children: Ray Jr. (Maggie), Brian, Rachelle, Bonita, Robert (Vickie), Belinda (Lyle), dear Aunt Gisele Devost, caring brother Jean-Guy (Rose May), adoring grandchildren: Danielle, Christopher, Jenna, Deyne, Maya, Kaila, Ben, Regan, Marley, Lanaya, Boyd, and many loving extended family members. Born December 4, 1935, in Trois Rivières, PQ to parents Joseph and Rose Borgia, Ray spent summers growing up with his brother and cousins at Lac a la Tortue. At the age of 17, Ray taught himself English, enlisted with the RCAF and served 25 years, which included tours of duty as a Peacekeeper in Italy (UNEF) and Egypt (UN). Otherwise, he worked mainly with flight crews; Ray had a love of flying and at the age of 33 he obtained his pilot's license. After his military career, Ray was very entrepreneurial; he built a successful business with Snap-On Tools, applied his hand at property management and as franchise owner, and then worked as a Commissionaire until his retirement in 2000. Ray always had a project on the go, which was most evident in his cottage at Grindstone Provincial Park where he loved to pass his time. He appreciated the beauty of nature and had a great love for animals. Ray enjoyed reading, listening to music, doing crosswords, playing cards, watching the Blue Jays and the Jets, and most recently mastered Sudoku. He met any challenge head-on and was a jack of all trades; he played the piano by ear and built many beautiful pieces of furniture. Ray had a great sense of humour, a smile that lit up the room, and a heart of gold. He was a kind, gentle and generous man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends. Ray was many things to many people but deserves an honourable mention for being a devoted son-in-law to Garnet and Anne Comberbach. Ray lived an exemplary life, which is his legacy that will live on in his children, grandchildren and generations to come. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the First Responders, Paramedics, and all of the staff at HSC SICU, for their care and compassion. A special thank you to Dr. Kristjan Thompson for his steadfast support and genuine concern. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association, or a charity of your choice, would be gratefully appreciated. A Celebration of Love for Ray will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Cremation has taken place. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 22, 2014