Eugene "Gene" Borek

Borek, Eugene "Gene"
79, of Anthem, AZ, passed away peacefully with his wife at his side on Monday, March 14, 2011, at Hospice of the Valley, Ryan House. As the hub of his family, he will dwell in our hearts and memories forever. Gene, an only child, was born on August 9, 1931 in Chicago, IL. He is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Korean Conflict as an airplane mechanic. Upon his discharge, he married and started a family in Chicago. He brought his young family to Phoenix in the fall of 1958 to be closer to his mother and step-father. Gene worked for Sunbeam Bread Company for several years before he became a bread distributor in Flagstaff, AZ. While living in Flagstaff, Gene and his family experienced the eight foot snowfall of which he spoke often. He and his family later settled in central Phoenix. In 1971, he purchased Walt's Ace Hardware from his step father and was owner /operator until his retirement in 2003. Gene married Karin in 1978, and their blended family operated the hardware store over the years until the store was sold in 2003. Walt's Ace Hardware was well-known for always having just what you needed and Gene was often called upon for his hardware knowledge and willingness to lend a hand. Gene really enjoyed working in the store, making pierogi during the Christmas holidays with his family, and although a Cubs fan from the start, he came to be a devoted fan of the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks. After retiring, he enjoyed his grandchildren's sporting events and taking RV trips with his wife, Karin, as well as relaxing with his dog, "Pepper." Gene will be remembered for his superior customer service in business, his endless generosity and his gift of putting others before himself and most of all, his love for his family. A real "give you the shirt off his back" kind of guy. Our heart felt thanks to Hospice of the Valley, Ryan House for their compassionate care during our time of need. Gene is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Karin, seven children, Catherine (Dan), Peggy (David), Martin (Vicky), Allen (Jeanette), Barbara (Randy), Kari (Kevin) and Trish. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Owen, Brooks Ann, Danette, Nathan, Michael, Ryan, Travis, Megan, Kevyn, Jack, Ellie and Chloe; six great grandchildren and a seventh on the way. A memorial will be held on
March 25, 2011, from 6 to 8 P.M. at A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 W.
Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013. A funeral mass will take
place at 11 A.M. on March 26, 2011 at St. Rose Catholic Church, 2825 W. Rose Canyon Circle, Anthem, AZ 85086 with a luncheon to follow.