Elmer Elsworth BORSTAD

BORSTAD, Elmer Elsworth
Elmer Elsworth Borstad, formerly of Grande Prairie, passed away at the Hythe Pioneer Home on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at the age of 90 years.
Born in Lamont, AB, of Cloff and Matilda, he spent his early years on a homestead during the Depression. He was a surveyor on the CANOL pipeline and in the early Alberta oil industry. After service in the Canadian Navy, he married Doreen Schneider in 1945. They later moved to Grande Prairie where he joined his father Cloff and brother Roy, in what would become Borstad Cartage, a freight and moving company. They also owned Borstad Welding Supplies and several other companies. Doreen was his life companion and partner in many enterprises.
He contributed greatly to his community. He organized and led a Sea Cadet corps for many years, was a city councillor for two terms, Mayor for two terms and Member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly for one term. He was a Mason, Shriner, Rotarian and member of the Chamber of Commerce, Probus and many other organizations - leader of many. He was an impassioned community fund raiser. He was president of the QEII Hospital Foundation, GPRC Foundation and many other community organizations.
He and Doreen retired in 1985 and travelled extensively. They lived for ten years near Victoria, BC but returned to Grande Prairie in 1995.
Family was important to them. They are survived by their sons Gary (Lorraine) and Lane (Jeannette), six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral service is scheduled for Friday, July 24, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Paul's United Church in Grande Prairie (10206 100 Ave.).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (#103 9805 97 St. Grande Prairie, AB T8V 8B9).