RALPH BORGER -

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RALPH BORGER 1930 - 2011 It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph James Borger on Sunday, July 17, 2011. Ralph leaves to mourn his wife and best friend Maureen, his sons Ralph (Susan), John (Derek), Grant (Sharon), stepsons Derek, Kevin (Kwan Sui), Brian (Gia); grandchildren Michael, Steven, Timothy, Hunter, Thomas, Erin, Helen, Alison; great-grandchildren Rose and Harley. He is also survived by his brother Gerald (Lois); sister Barbara Graham, aunt Mary and uncle Edward Deibert and many nieces and nephews. Ralph was born in Winnipeg on June 29, 1930 to Henry and Barbara Borger. He lived most of his life in Winnipeg with the exception of 10 years in Alberta. His young years were spent on Church Avenue and he was always proud of his North End roots. He attended Ralph Brown School, MacRae School and St. John's Tech before beginning his lifelong career in construction. With his father and brothers, he dedicated his working life to the successful growth of his family's construction business, contributing to the company's current industry prominence. The Borger group of companies is a Winnipeg based corporation engaged in heavy construction, and land development and related enterprises. For many years, as General Manager of Borger Brothers Ltd. (now called Borland Construction Inc.) Ralph led the Utilities Division and successfully completed hundreds and hundreds of sewer and water projects in communities across Western Canada. Even at the age of 80 he was still actively involved in the family business. For over 30 years Ralph represented the construction industry at the provincial and national levels where he was highly respected for his knowledge of the industry and business acumen. He was Chairman of Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, Chairman of Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association and for many years sat on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Construction Association in Ottawa where he subsequently served as an Executive Member and Treasurer. Hockey played a most significant role in Ralph's life. He served 38 years as a Builder and Administrator in Minor and Junior hockey for Hockey Manitoba and Hockey Canada. He also served as a Director of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum and on the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. He owned and administered the Manitoba Junior Hockey League St. Boniface Saints Hockey Club for 28 years. He was very proud of his positive influence on the lives of many young men in hockey who went on to successful and fulfilling careers. Ralph was known as the ultimate fundraiser. He raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for minor and junior hockey in Manitoba. He received various awards for his contributions to hockey including being named Volunteer of the Millennium by Hockey Manitoba and in 2005 was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. He was further honoured as a Life Member of Hockey Manitoba. When not working on behalf of hockey he contributed and raised funds for many other charitable organizations. In later years, Ralph and his wife Maureen spent their winters in Florida where he made many friends. He was popular for his sense of humour and his kindness to those in need. He loved animals and his pets were very important to him. He treasured his Siamese cat Opi and his Scottish Terrier Scotia. They too will miss him terribly. Ralph was a proud but humble man who left a legacy that many would envy. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 59 Academy Road, Winnipeg, MB. Interment will take place in the Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Avenue. Ralph will be laid to rest nearby his parents Henry and Barbara Borger, his brothers Donald, Alan, and Henry, and other family members. A reception will follow at the Holiday Inn Airport West, 2520 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choosing. You can shed tears that he is gone. Or you can smile because he lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back. Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 19, 2011