It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Ron Borkowsky, loving husband, Dad and Papa. Ron will be forever remembered by his soul mate and loving wife of 45 years Mary (nee Funk). Dad will be greatly missed by his son Sheldon (Nichole; Sarah and Eric) and daughters Shawna (Glenn; Mathew and Alexandra) Hiebert and Josie (Doug; Emily, Alyssa and Michelle) Auch. He is also survived by his sisters Irma Suderman, Adeline Fender, and his brother Wilbert (Doris) Borkowsky and many nieces and nephews. Ron was predeceased by his parents William and Olga, his sister Thelma Chemerika and other loving relatives. Ron was born and raised on a dairy farm in the Bristol Area outside of Steinbach, Manitoba. Farming with his mother and father, Ron devoted his time and energy to working two jobs. In the morning he would wake up to milk the cows, then go to a construction site building commercial buildings from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. come home and milk the cows again. He took over the farm with his wife Mary in 1963. Farm life was not always easy but he loved farming and looking back he would not have changed a thing. Ron and Mary would share a love of traveling which they would continue to do up until he was diagnosed with Kidney Disease. Ron loved to square dance, go for coffee at Tim Horton’s, drive the tractor and his new truck, tinker on the yard and work in the fields. He loved to attend and watch Bomber games, curling and hockey. He was very proud of the farm and his family. His true enjoyment in life was when his first of seven grandchildren were born, all of whom he called his “tookie touques”. He with his wife purchased a spot at the Lilac Resort where he was more than happy just to sit back and watch everyone laugh and play. Ron was a quiet man but never short of a comment or two which made us all smile. He was gentle, good natured, hard working and loved by everyone. He left us with many fond memories and nothing meant more to him than his wife, family and friends. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the staff at St. Boniface Hospital ICU for the care and compassion they showed following Dad’s transfer to their hospital after surgery. A special thank you to Pastor Maier, our family and the many friends who called and prayed for Ron our husband, Dad and Papa. Flowers are gratefully declined. If you so desire, a donation may be made to your favorite charity in memory of Ron. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr, Steinbach on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 465 Henry St, Steinbach with interment at the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Hwy 12 S.