David John Richard Borthistle

Obituary

Passed on

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, 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.

---

Comments