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Clarence Borjesson Obituary
He was born Sept. 18, 1931, to Ina Mae and Eric Stanley Borjesson of Camas, Wash. Clarence grew up on a farm and graduated from Camas High School in 1948.
After a year at Washington State College, Clarence (also known as Clancy) joined the Marine Corps in 1949 and served in the Korean War. While stationed in Kyoto, Japan, he became the first American to captain the Kyoto Japan Judo team and later rose to a fifth degree black belt. Upon his discharge from the Marine Corps in 1954, he attended the Colorado School of Gunsmithing and Clark College in Vancouver, Wash. He then moved to Fairbanks in 1959 where he spent the rest of his life.
Clarence married Charlotte Marie Barker in 1960 in Fairbanks.
They moved to Clear while he worked for Clear Air Force Station. Moving back to Fairbanks in 1968, Clarence worked for Airport Fire & Safety, the Army National Guard and later for Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. Clancy was known for his kindness and willingness to help anyone. He was a friend to many, in his quiet way, taking life in strides with an uncommon patience and persistence.
As a marksman, he and his brother Gordon at one time won nearly all the rifle shooting championships on the West Coast, finishing first and second at most of the matches they entered. He also was a gunsmith and firearms instructor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Ina; his wife, Charlotte Marie; his brother, Gordon Stanley Borjesson; daughter, Michelle April Borjesson; and his son, Michael Eric Bradley Borjesson.
He is survived by his son, Bruce Randall Borjesson; his daughters, Debra Maureen Starcevich, of Bellingham, Wash., and Heidi Dawn Borjesson, of Washougal, Wash.; his brother and his wife, Bryan Franklin Borjesson and Margaret McCombs-Borjesson; along with several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date, with his cremains to be scattered in Wind River Canyon, in Stevenson, Wash. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to your preferred charity.
A special thanks to the doctors, nurses and support staff at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and Denali Center who took such excellent care of our father, brother and friend.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m., Monday, April 5, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1500 Cowles St.
Arrangements were by Fairbanks Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clarence Borjesson
Michael Albertson
April 29, 2010
In March 1983 I walked into the Fairbanks Armory, "by the Tank" on 2nd Street, looking for a recruiter. I ran into a big, Really Big, 1SG who looked down at me, smiled and told me I was in the right place. He then directed me across the hall. Twelve days later I swore into the Alaska Army National Guard and 1SG Clancy Borjesson was standing in the background.
My first few drills were primarily brushing up on old skills and learning new ones. More than once I would sense someone behind me and there would stand the 1SG, often taking the time to point out some minor tip that would make my job easier. It really did not matter what I was doing, he knew how to do it faster, smarter and easier.
I did not realize until his memorial that the 1SG was a Judo and a Pistol Champion for many years. I knew he always shot better than everyone else and he was pretty tough for a guy half his age. It was simply that Clancy never boasted about anything. He did his best and that seemed to be all the recongintion he needed.
It was an honor and a pleasure serving in B Company with Clancy.
Allen Fleming
April 26, 2010
The Fairbanks family (Verna and Al) are very saddened by Clarence's passing. He was a very kind and generous friend.
April 8, 2010
April 08,2010
Clancy and I first met in the National Guard and when he was an Airport Safety Police Officer. I was especially thankful as a State Trooper to have Clancy as my back-up when he was working at FMH. Having known Clancy's sister when she was a coroner I had nothing but respect for this family. My prayers for a straight shooter and a man who never shirked a duty. Ron Richards and family.
William Scouten
April 5, 2010
There were seven of First Sergeant Clancy Borgesson's Alaska National Guard soldiers at his memorial service this evening (4/5/10): MAJ Randy Baker, SM Raymond Miller, 1SG William Scouten, MSG Russell Wood, SFC McKinley McGill, SFC William McCoy (all retired) and SFC Michael Albertson (still serving). We were all a stripe or two or three lower grade than that when we first joined B Company, 5th Scout Battalion, AKNG and met Clancy. I notice one more has signed onto the Guest Book . . .
It was interesting to listen to the eulogies and remembrances spoken by his fellow Church members and friends. Our 'war stories' would be quite different of course, about guns, armored vehicles, maneuvers, deep snow, sub-zero weather and the rifle range. But the kind of man we knew was no different than what I heard in Church, he was always a gentleman even if he was chewing out one of his misbehaving young soldiers. Any stories we told could be told not only in mixed company but in Church . . . and we told a few in the reception afterward.
He was a mentor and big brother or favorite uncle for many of us junior NCO's and more than one young 2nd Lieutenant. He set the example of what a senior NCO should be, in fact he exemplified what a good soldier (or Marine) leader should be. We all became not only better soldiers by his example but likely better citizens and better men as well.
Thank you Clancy, we will remember you always and continue telling those stories about our adventures together around the campfire up in hunting camp . . . say hello to Michael and Charlotte for me.
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Russell Port
April 3, 2010
Clancy was my boss and friend in the Alaska Army National Guard. He was a great mentor who I looked up to. Clancy was a gently giant who showed kindness to all. He was so proud of his family and you could just see that sparkly in his eyes when he talked about them. Clancy will be missed. Russell (Red) Port, RET CSM (Phoenix, AZ)
Joyce Bateman
April 2, 2010
I remember Clancy as a coworker at the hospital (FMH), striding quietly and confidently through the halls when he was a security guard there. Later, I met up with him again at my uncle's house. He was a trusty shop buddy and a true gun nut friend to my uncle. When Clarence heard I was interested in shooting in the target leagues, he made sure I had a pistol. He was like that, kind and giving. My uncle and I will miss him.
Thor Borjesson, MSG (P) USA
April 1, 2010
Uncle Clarence
I hope you and Gordon are out hunting, or on a range somewhere having far too much fun with your rifles, discussing the best loads and how tight your shot groups are.
May your spirit and your essence live on.
April 1, 2010
We met Clancy when he worked security at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, what a wonderful person that will be missed by many. Our sincerest condolences to the family.
Bill & Selina DeValcourt
North Pole, Alaska
April 1, 2010
Clancy helped me to train for Team Alaska in the 1982 Arctic Winter Games, the last time, to my knowledge, that judo was showcased as an event in the games. He was the quietest tough guy I have ever known and was a true judoman in his humility and spirit; I shall never forget him nor the time I trained with him in judo. My sincerest condolences to the family.
--Bryan Fitzpatrick, Fairbanks, Alaska
Marilyn (Lynn) Hines (Hanning)
April 1, 2010
I did not personally know Clarence, but I know Bryan. I grew up in Camas and lived in Fairbanks for 36 years. Our prayers are with the family.
Allen and Verna Fleming
April 1, 2010
Clarence was one of the kindest men that I have ever known. I am very
sorry to read of his passing. I am deeply touched by this. Blessings to
the Borjesson family.
Al and Verna Fleming in Nogales, Az
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