Karl William Borgwardt

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Karl Borgwardt Obituary

Karl William Borgwardt left this world on January 7, 2011, finally losing a long and courageous battle with type 1 diabetes. Born on July 22, 1958, he is survived by son, Matthew Borgwardt; daughter, Andrea Borgwardt; parents, John and Joyce Borgwardt; sister, Kim Borgwardt Monke; brother-in-law, Joe Chitwood; brother, Kurt Borgwardt (his kidney donor), and sister-in-law, Liz Koppelman. He lived in a wide circle of devoted friends, including most especially Marla Vera and John Duncan. Karl graduated from the University of Arizona, trained as a mechanical engineer with a solar specialty. Karl showed an amazing talent at an early age, as he routinely fixed home appliances. He leaves a to-do list filled with building projects still underway at the homes and businesses of his family and friends. Most of us have benefited from his expertise, for which he rarely expected payment. We consider is talent for woodworking a legacy he leaves behind in all of his creations. Karl became a skillful and innovative cook and could improvise with very little equipment. Karl had a unique gift of cultivating diverse relationships and giving those the benefit of his generosity and humor. Karl will be remembered for his selfless acts of kindness and constant pursuit of aiding others in need. He made each day meaningful in some way and was both a good listener and a lively story teller. He worked tirelessly for the Donor Network of Arizona to alert us to the power we hold: the lifesaving gift of organ donation. We regret he didn't live to accomplish his dream which he strived so hard to make happen. We knew Karl lived on borrowed time which made his circle grow closer in recent years. For that we are enormously grateful. He spent his happiest moments in the mountains with family and friends and his dog, Winston. Karl, we have set a place at the table for you at Sunday dinner. We will miss your wit and laughter more than words can describe, yet we know you are finally free from pain and running in the open air. Karl leaves this us his enduring philosophy "no worries." A celebration of Karl's life will take place at a later date. Those inclined may make donations in Karl's name to the Donor Network of Arizona, the Kidney Foundation or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

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Published by The Telegraph on Jan. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Karl Borgwardt

7 Entries

Mark A Dean

November 11, 2024

I am still willin' !

Mark Hall

October 6, 2019

Lew and I say we had some great times in OREGON and AZ,, and Mexico.......RIP bro...

Mark Dean

April 11, 2019

It is a beautiful April spring day, I met Karl at Oregon State University at some dismal philosophy class. Both of us were rude ragamuffins, but had fun! I left for Florida and lamented never to see the Dead again. Within one month, the strange trip continued.
I suppose that Karl enjoyed the Phish in concert, maybe even Midnite Oil.
Yes Karl,you lived a good life with your diabetes; no regrets to that! I had my breakdown and subsequent return also.
And today, I stumble upon your obit,a broad smile and a broad mind.
Fare thee well Karl.

Jeff Tauge

March 1, 2011

Today is Tuesday, March 1st 2011 and I just found out about Karl's passing (when I Googled his name) and I am heartbroken. The last time I heard from Karl was in October of 2008 when he sent me his new e-mail address. I was wondering why he would never respond to my e-mails and now I know why. I met Karl in the summer of 1975 right after 10th grade. His family had just moved to Boise and they moved in right next door. Karl had a dog named Oliver who was his constant companion. Karl and I became fast friends who shared a common love of music, food and having a good time! I have MANY fond memories of Karl, the best one being the time me and friends Steve and Mark drove to Salem, Oregon where Karl was living. We stayed at Karl's house and one night drove up to Portland to see Kansas in concert. A few days later, we planned to drive to the coast but my Dad's car broke down halfway between Salem and the coast. We had to have the car towed back to Grand Ronde and we hitchhiked back to Karl's house all the while having a funny, funny time (if you know what I mean). God bless you Karl. You were one of a kind and my life is better because you were in it. I wish I would have known you were losing the battle and could have said goodbye. I will love you forever my friend. Jeff - Boise, Idaho

Dave Arbonies

February 9, 2011

RIP Borgy. We had a some good times back in the ole days. Fond memories of good times, good friends and lotsa Grateful Dead Concerts. I never have met anyone with quite the sense of humor that Borgy had. Adios Amigo.
Dave A (Spring Creek, NV)

Barry W

January 24, 2011

Karl was such a pleasure to work with. He was very passionate about educating others on organ & tissue donation and helped saved many lives because of his dedication & volunteering. He will be missed but not forgotten. Barry: Donor Network of Arizona.

deborah

January 23, 2011

May God's peace be with y'all. I pray that this disease will be cured soon! My brother is a donor recipient and I cannot be anymore grateful for the sacrifice of his donor. PLEASE if you are not a donor now reconsider :)

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