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DAVID JOHN RICHARD BORTHISTLE
Date of Passing: Aug 10, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDAVID JOHN RICHARD BORTHISTLE It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that the family announces the passing of David Borthistle on August 10, 2017. The impact that David had on people's lives and the hearts of all those he touched will be his legacy. He is survived by the love of his life, Sophie Sanecki and her children, Adam (Aurora) and Jessica (Paul), and grandchildren, Makenzie, Victoria, Noah, and Jonathon. Also left behind to mourn his loss are his siblings, Jessie (Gordon) Nodwell, Helen (Jim) Harris and Terry (Bonnie) Borthistle, nieces, nephews, family and friends. David was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Arnold Borthistle, his sister Donalda (Oosterhuis), brother-in-law Jan, his nephews, Brent Borthistle and Gord Harris and his niece, Marjorie Oosterhuis. David was born in Winnipeg on May 13, 1935 and grew up on the family farm at Grosse Isle. He raised cattle and turkeys, and showed great ambition and work ethic at an early age. On August 10, 1953 (64 years ago to the day of his passing) his life journey took a different direction when he contracted polio at age 18. Although he would reside at the King George Hospital and later Riverview Health Centre for the remainder of his life, he never complained or lost his wonderful sense of humour and did not let his disability interfere with his plans or ambitions. David was feisty and relentless in all his ventures including his agitation for a more acceptable entrance to the old King George Hospital, organizing the Polio 53 Club which raised funds for repairing and buying wheelchairs for other patients, and for his personal development of "frog breathing" which allowed him and others to have daytime life without the help of a machine. This enabled him to travel and to visit the home farm which he loved dearly. He used his great intellect and took full advantage of computer technology and when the Riverview Health Centre was being designed, architects sought David's insight to ensure the Centre's design would adequately meet the needs of those it would serve. As a close friend, Brownie Zawadski, wrote in a submission to nominate David for The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal "David overcame boredom, frustration and depression early in life. He devoted his time to thinking and planning - how to improve and not dwell on his limitations. He is very strong in spirit and not ostentatious. He is non-judgemental, keeps matters to himself. He is well versed in most aspects of human life, and highly knowledgeable in Local-Municipal-Provincial and Federal affairs." David was humbled by the nomination but graciously (and sternly!) declined the recognition. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all staff at the King George and Riverview Health Centre that have cared for David throughout his life and a special thank you to all those who were so faithful in visiting him while he was in care. A Celebration of Life in David's honour will be held on Monday, August 21, 2017, 11:00 a.m., at Stonewall United Church. Rev. Cole Grambo officiating. A service will also be held at Riverview Health Centre at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in David's memory to the St. Amant Foundation or Stonewall District Palliative Care. Ken Loehmer Funeral Services, 204-886-0404
Publish Date: Aug 19, 2017
DAVID JOHN RICHARD BORTHISTLE It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that the family announces the passing of David Borthistle on August 10, 2017. A Celebration of Life in David's honour will be held on Monday, August 21, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at Stonewall United Church. A longer obituary will follow in August 19, 2017 edition of the Winnipeg Free Press. Ken Loehmer Funeral Services, 204-886-0404
Publish Date: Aug 15, 2017
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 19, 2017
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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There aren't enough kind words to say of David. A true friend of Paul DeRyck. My most sincere sympathy. Doris DeRyck - Posted by: Doris DeRyck (friend) on: Aug 20, 2017
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David was a special person and I feel privileged to have known David while I was taking care of him there. I enjoyed all our long conversations and letting David be David. I feel like I've lost a dear friend and grant him peace. He loved life and never looked at his disability as a burden to anyone or himself. Love David, may he rest in peace. - Posted by: Shirley Lyn (Nurse Ming George Hospital) on: Aug 19, 2017
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I started at Municipal Hospitals in Sept. 1978. I was assigned to the post polio ward of the King George . I first worked with Dave & his roommate Paul DeRyck. I was not told that Dave could turn off his rocking bed by himself or that he could walk until my first encounter being alone on the midnight shift. He suddenly appeared. Standing in the doorway. He thought it was hilarious to scare me. He always was a upbeat pleasant man to care for. The staff and all the residents are like family. I left the employ of Municipal Hospital due to an injury in 1986, but continued to visit. So sorry that he has passed. Please accept my condolences to his family and friends. He was one of a kind. - Posted by: Margaret (Meg) Feliksiak (Former Municipal Staff) on: Aug 19, 2017
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My husband Hank and I will miss Dave very much. We loved visiting with him, playing crib, discussing current events, sharing jokes and chuckles. He loved his Tim Horton Boston Cream donuts which we usually brought each time we saw him. We met Dave over 6 years ago when my husband was at Riverview on the stroke rehab unit and tried to visit as regularly as possible. Dave was such an amazing and intelligent man. He was truly an inspiration to so many. Our hearts are so sad as we will miss him terribly. Our sincere condolences to his family. Hugs to all of you. Theresa Romijn - Posted by: Theresa Romijn (Friend) on: Aug 17, 2017
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Sincere condolences to Dave's family. I am in BC so will be unable to attend his service. I will always remember his wry sense of humour, and his resilient way of going along with the flow of whatever life threw him. He taught me a great deal throughout the 30 plus years when I worked at Riverview, from the beginning of my career to retirement. Dave you will be missed and fondly remembered. - Posted by: Anne Cathcart (Friend) on: Aug 17, 2017
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I am very sorry to hear about Mr. Dave Borthistle's passing. My husband, Paul Sparling, is a volunteer on the ward that Dave resided on at Riverview. I met Dave once there and he seemed to be a very kind man. I am very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Roberta Sparling (Volunteer's wife) on: Aug 16, 2017