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SAMUEL (SAM) BORDEN
Born: Mar 20, 1923
Date of Passing: Sep 23, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySAMUEL (SAM) BORDEN
Saddened but thankful for our years together, the family announces the passing of Sam Borden, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather at the age of 101.
In many ways Sam led a charmed life. He and older sister Ann were born into a loving family, with parents Max and Bessie. As a youngster he played violin. In his teens he won trophies in track and particularly tennis, for which he held a special fondness. It was on the Winnipeg Beach tennis courts, at the age of 12, that he met his future wife Shirley Bromberg. For him it was love at first sight, and at 20 they married.
After graduating from Dentistry in 1944 Sam enlisted in the Canadian Dental Corps. His postings included the Alaska Highway, which he criss-crossed by military plane to provide care. Returning to Winnipeg, he and Shirley raised their family, surrounded by a wide circle of friends.
After 20 years of private practice, Sam shifted gears to accept a teaching position at the University of Manitoba. He often cited this change as one of the best decisions he ever made. While serving as head of periodontology he was instrumental in starting its graduate program. He was perhaps best known for his many years as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
Sam was a visionary teacher with a long and distinguished career. Of his numerous prizes and awards, he was especially proud to receive the Saunderson Award for Excellence in Teaching at the University of Manitoba. But his most moving accolade came in 2013 with the dedication of the Dr. Sam Borden Periodontology Specialty Clinic in the College of Dentistry, a state-of-the-art facility providing accessible periodontal care.
Upon his retirement, Sam and Shirley indulged their love of travel. He also brushed up on his golf game, winning seniors events and racking up multiple holes in one.
After 72 years of marriage Shirley passed away in 2016 and at 92 Sam found himself alone. Soon after, a mutual enthusiasm for golf reignited contact with long-time family friend Estelle Sures. Their friendship grew into a love that sustained him for the final eight years of his life.
Sam’s family knew him as a kind, patient and modest man, always upbeat and willing to help them, friends and even strangers. He is survived by his three children, Marilyn (Rick), Myron (Ruth) and Alan (Murray), as well as grandchildren, Kerry, Emily, Jennifer (Brad) and Jonathan, and great-granddaughter Ava.
A graveside funeral service was held on September 25 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery, which can be viewed on the Shaarey Zedek site or on Youtube.
The family requests that anyone wishing to honour Sam’s memory make a donation to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Manitoba Branch, or other charity of their choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2024, Oct 26, 2024
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Sam was one of the most special people anyone that knew him could attest to. He always had a warm and friendly smile and demeanour. I was lucky to have had an association with him and he remembered everyone. We will miss you Sammy “Everyone dies twice Once due to health and second time when we stop telling stories about them ”Stories and memories will keep Sammy alive for many years to come Marty Greenfeld - Posted by: Marty Greenfeld (Former Student) on: Oct 31, 2024
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Wonderful caring teacher and dentist. - Posted by: Naomi Turner (ludwig) (Student and former dental client when he was general practice.dntur) on: Oct 30, 2024
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What a beautiful tribute to such an outstanding professional. I was honored to have worked at the Dental College and observe how both students and staff appreciated Dr. Borden. Even though he said "just call me Sam" I could never bring myself to that as he deserved the highest of respect. One thing he did possess was a sense of humor. One evening he and his wife were dining at the same restaurant as my husband and I. Unknown to us he called the waiter over to his table and arranged for him to play a trick on us. When it happened a great roar of laughter broke out. My late husband, Mark, had also been one of his student's and always spoke of him, and to him, with utmost respect. He has left behind many well educated dentist's thanks to his superior teaching and knowledge. - Posted by: Joy Buettner (Friend) on: Oct 26, 2024
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What a Mench! If it weren't for his comforting support while I was a student and also as a retired dentist, I would not be here. He nurtured me when I needed it most. He was the kindest and most supportive person in the faculty I have ever met. His caregiver was my patient and she constantly updated me at every appointment. His presence made the world a better place. He is an actual definition of a mensch! RIP. - Posted by: noah weiszner (student) on: Oct 26, 2024