Edward Borowiec, 77, passed away surrounded by his loving family at his home in College Station on February 20, 2015. Ed is survived by his wife Joanne Bergman; sons James (Katie) Borowiec and their children Isaac and Claire of Newberg, Oregon; Jeff (Jill) Borowiec and their children Jackson and Madeline of College Station; grandson Brian of Los Angeles; and brother Matt (Snoody) and children Ann and Jay of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Ed was preceded in death by his parents Gladys and Joseph, his first wife Beverly, brother Walter, and eldest son Jon.
Ed is also survived by the members of his extended family on Joanne’s side. It was natural for all of them to love and admire their kind, witty, and generous stepdad and “GrandEd.”
Ed was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp. He served from 1956-59 with much of his tour of duty aboard the aircraft carrier Princeton in the Pacific and Far East.
Ed received a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, in 1971 and a Juris Doctor from Western State University in Fullerton, California in 1978. He was a professor of English and Linguistics at California State University, Long Beach, for nearly forty years, retiring in 2002. Ed’s encyclopedic knowledge of languages, history, geography, world religions, and literature drew the admiration of everyone who knew him. He was a fervent advocate of public education and the cultural and economic advantages which education provides to the individual and to society.
After retirement, Ed and Joanne built a home in Angora, Minnesota and ever since have spent summers at their island cabin on Lake Vermilion. Ed represented Angora Township as a Trustee on the Scenic Rivers Hospital Board in Cook, Minnesota and was an active member of the Minnesota Hospital Association. As a hospital trustee, Ed pursued education and certification to the highest level, and he set the standard for those who followed him on that Board.
Ed and Joanne moved to College Station in 2012. Ed was an avid golfer, fond of his golf car, clubs, and golf memorabilia. As he had done with his three sons when they were young, Ed taught grandchildren Madeline and Jackson to enjoy the game as well.
Ed left behind his beloved pets, cat Sami and dog Kobie.
In accordance with Ed’s wishes, the family will gather for a private memorial observation later this year. In lieu of flowers, Ed preferred that memorial gifts be sent to support educational exchanges between U.S. and foreign students through AFS Intercultural Programs USA, either online or by mail at AFS-USA, Inc., National Development Office, 120 Wall Street, 4th Floor, New York 10005.
In addition, an annual scholarship in Ed’s name will be awarded to a graduating senior at Northwoods High School, Cook, Minnesota 55723.
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My prayers and sympathy to the Borowiec family at this time of loss. Jeff has always spoken so highly of his father as a man dedicated to service to others in many ways. I recently learned of his interest and affinity for Mark Twain and in that spirit I offer this thought:
“THE FEAR OF DEATH FOLLOWS FROM THE FEAR OF LIFE. A MAN WHO LIVES FULLY IS PREPARED TO DIE AT ANY TIME.” Mark Twain
Thank you Mr. Borowiec for your service to our country, to your students, and to your family.