Eugene Allen 'Possum' Borak, Jr.
1959-2021
Eugene was born August 30, 1959 in Rosenberg, Texas and died peacefully on January 17, 2021 after a brief illness. He was the first of four children born to Eugene and Viola Borak. His early years were spent playing baseball, and participating in 4-H, FFA, judging contests, and raising animals for show in the Fort Bend County Fair and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. His lifelong nurturing spirit began in those early years.
He graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School, then Wharton County Junior College. It was in high school that he was given the nickname 'Possum', for which he was known by throughout his life. He worked as an engineer for over 41 years at Gray Tool Company, which over the years came to be part of Vetco-Gray, Hughes, GE, then Baker-Hughes. In those years, he traveled much of the world, including long stints in Scotland and New Orleans, leaving his mark on all he met as 'Possum', the quick witted and helpful Texan, always in boots and cowboy hat. His greatest find during his travels was his loving wife Sandy (Sandra La Bauve), whom he met in New Orleans and brought back to Houston in 1992.
Possum and Sandy shared a wonderful life with many great friends. They loved bowling, traveling and participating in BBQ Cookoffs. He took great joy in decorating the house for Halloween and Christmas. Possum especially enjoyed his time at the bay fishing with his buddies David, Paul and David. He loved his nieces and nephews tremendously and could always be counted on for giggles and tickles. It was a great life for a kind and gentle soul.
Possum was preceeded in death by his father Eugene Borak. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Sandy; mother, Viola Borak; siblings Ronald Borak, and wife Monica, Cindy Istre and husband Noah, and Lisa Bisceglia, along with numerous nieces and nephews, extended family
A celebration of life will be planned in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting one of his favorite charities: Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Remembrances can be
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https://www.kleinfh.com/obituary/eugene-borak-jr

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Jan. 31, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Borak

Sponsored by Klein Funeral Home - Champions.

40 Entries

shirley white

January 15, 2023

Still missing you but you are with Jesus and He is taking good care of you.

Fernando Arce-Larreta

February 12, 2021

I worked with Eugene during my time at GE Oil and Gas. He’s a very good person and always willing to help. He is a big loss to his family and colleagues. My sincere condolences.

Nathan Burcham

February 3, 2021

Possum was always a pleasure to speak to. Every conversation was either humurous or educational. I will always remember him and his lessons. He will be greatly missed. May his soul rest in peace.

Dave Wilson

February 1, 2021

Ode to a Possum
Possum old pal I cannot believe you’ve gone
I got the word today and yet cannot believe it’s true
Thanks for all the help you provided throughout all the years
You were the brains of our outfit
Everyone relied on you
Like that time when the tubing hanger was too big for the bowl
It seems not right
You were way too young
Carry on my friend
You are missed by many

Gary Shaw

January 31, 2021

I was very saddened to get the news about Possum. I was fortunate to have had a lot of wonderful years at Vetco Gray, and it was because of people like Gene that made the work personal. He was one of those guys that I always enjoyed being around, laughing with, and working with. He was straight-up, plainspoken and I knew I could take his advice to the bank. Sandy, my sympathies to you and the extended family as I know this will be a big loss....but I am certain the man is in Heaven and is resting easy now. God Bless.

James Stanley

January 31, 2021

God Bless My friend, Will miss your smiling face.talking with you.As you headed to the mailbox.
Also your wonderful Holiday Decorations.
I guess Father needed one more angle..
To to Shine in Heaven..
God Bless
Sandy.. and Family..
Our Thoughts and prays are with you all.

James and Sheila Stanley..

Neighbor and Friend.
If you had a moment to speak with Gene..
Your were a friend..
May you Journey with our Father in
Heaven be Fantastic..
James..

Joe Menchaca

January 28, 2021

May Possum rest in peace and may God Bless him now as God blessed him in his daliy life.

Ashwin G H

January 28, 2021

Eugene,

Though our interactions were limited, you were our go to person for any design reviews.
Our deepest condolences to Eugene's family & friends. Rest in peace.

Roy Kinkaid

January 26, 2021

Possum and I met in 1979 at Gray Tool Company. He was the lead drafting checker.
Always about the details.
He grew to be skilled and knowledgeable in our craft. Someone you could depend on for thoughtful consideration before sharing his opinion on a question. A man with a quality ethic in his work and in life.
Always the sensible solution.
Possum was a lover of life and very enjoyable to talk to and be around.
Always the quick wit.

I will miss him greatly.

Vignesh Dheenakumar

January 26, 2021

Our heartfelt condolences to Eugene's family. May god give strength & perseverance to Eugene's family to overcome this sorrow. Sincerely. Vignesh.

Our sincerest condolences to Eugene's family. A small letter to show how admired and beloved he was in the company. <br />Baker Hughes in Queretaro, Mexico.

Silvia Guerra

January 25, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Baker Hughes team in Queretaro, Mexico.

Daryl Davis

January 25, 2021

I have known Possum since he transfered back from a hitch working in Harvey, LA. he always was a great help at work and we had many on equipment and servicing issues with the new designs he would come up with. We would say that his designs were "Posumfied" as humor on items he touched in designing. When we would have descusions (even heated ones) he almost always convinced me to his way of thinking buy explaining why.
He was an outstanding person to work with. While he and I always talked about our length of service at Gray Tool and who was here the longest, I would give him some years to keep him around.
Sandy should know that he put her 1st even at work always and the man truely loved her.

Haidong Zhou

January 24, 2021

Eugene is the engineer I admire most in my career, his creative idea inspired me many times and he was always willing to provide guidance. I still remember first time I met you, I deliver the respect to you that many young engineers would like to be an engineer as you, you said it would not easy. That's true. Your talent brought plenty of invention for this industry, your brilliant will be always deserved to learn for our lifetime, deeply condolences!

Cindy McConnell Rotzler

January 24, 2021

My sincerest condolences to Eugene’s family. Eugene was a jovial, kind, funny and upbeat classmate (Class of 1977). Everyone knew Possom! I can still picture his grin and the pep in his step in the long halls of Lamar HS!

Shirley White

January 24, 2021

I remember our hugs our good times. I will miss you my friend. Sandy, sorry that I can’t be with you. I am here for you. Please call if you need me. He is without pain and in the arms of Jesus. Prayers and more prayers plus love and hugs. Shirley

Ngoc Tram Nguyen

January 24, 2021

Throughout the years, Eugene gave me some helpful ideas and guided me through designs to develop products to meet customers’ demands and expectations. Eugene always had answers to my questions and never failed to assist me in my times of troubles.
Dear Sandy, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers, especially during these difficult times. I deeply express my condolences for you.

Blanca Montoya

January 24, 2021

My deepest condolences to Possum's family. Met Possum in early 2012 and always respected his exceptional knowledge and deep domain experience. He loved being an engineer and always willing to share his knowledge and help solve problems. Great team player. I hope and wish for some internal peace to Possum's family during this difficult time.

Arif Setiabudi

January 23, 2021

We will truly missed Eugene, for such a great mentor and engineer he was. His dedication and thorough help to anyone is really one of a kind. I feel blessed to be able to cross path with him in my life.
Eugene and family will stay in our thoughts and prayers.

Felix Silva Jr

January 23, 2021

Your light was extraordinarily bright Eugene A. Borak! I enjoyed working with you, thought highly of you, respected you as a professional, teacher, and most of all I always understood that your time here with us was a blessing! I am fortunate that I got the opportunity to work close with you on engineering standards and projects! I can only hope to be as great as you one day! You will be greatly missed!

I pray for Sandy and everyone who held you dearly in their hearts that God heals us from your passing.

Ana Ayres

January 23, 2021

Words can’t describe how sorry I am for this loss. For the last 7 years, I had the pleasure of working with Eugene. As a young engineer, I constantly reached out to him, a great mentor who was always available to teach and guide, sharing his knowledge. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time of grief. Eugene will be deeply missed.

Steve Wong

January 22, 2021

Possum’s demeanor exuded calmness and integrity that are unmatched. I will cherish the countless encounters with him while working at Vetco Gray. I pray that his family find peace and hope during this time.

John Tritz

January 22, 2021

I had the privilege of working with Possum for 25 years. He was a great person...always available to help anyone, any time, anywhere in the world. He was a heck of an engineer. The world lost a great person and the oilfield lost a great engineer. My most sincere condolences to the family...Possum...Rest in Peace my friend.

Carol Bedra

January 22, 2021

The times I saw him he always had a smile on his face... usually at a family event, and with such a wonderful family as ALL the Borak's are it's no wonder he was always smiling. Since before my sister joined the family every one of you treated me like family. My heart breaks for the loss and grief you are all going through. In knowing that the Lord always hears our prayers, I have faith His love and mercy will bring you all comfort. My deepest sympathy- Carol Kocich Bedra

Tim Bajusz

January 22, 2021

A great friend. Always able to assist no matter how busy he was. If there ever was a Hall of Fame at our Company....Possum deserved first ballot.

Kenny Sikes

January 22, 2021

I have worked with and around Possum for over 40 years. Great worker but more importantly a great friend. He will be missed. God Speed Possum.

Mary Ondrush

January 22, 2021

Condolences Viola and family on the passing of Gene Jr

Shawn McMahon

January 22, 2021

Sandy,

Sincere condolences on Possum's passing. Much respected for his knowledge and expertise. Always a gentleman.

Walt (Pepper) Culpepper

January 22, 2021

Gene was one of my childhood friends, memories that go way back to the 1960's, playing baseball, fishing and catching crawfish in the rice canals. He was a true and wonderful friend, who would do anything for you. Even though we had our own lives, and hadn't seen each other for a lot of years, I'll be forever grateful to have had a friend like Gene. All of us should be so lucky. Condolences to his Mom, Viola; and to Ronnie, Cindy and Lisa. May God give you all peace in the knowledge that you'll see Gene again someday.

Cedric Rice

January 22, 2021

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. I will never forget Possum. I worked with Eugene for over 39 years. His dedication and helpful attitude was always great. He will be greatly missed. Sandy, may God bless and keep you and your family during this difficult time.

Bob Kann

January 22, 2021

Was great working with him
He taught me alot
Best wishes to him and family

Al Olvera

January 22, 2021

Quite a gentleman in every sense of the word. Humble and very decent man. I will miss you, colleague. Like you, it will be very difficult to forget you. I will see you later my friend. May God bless you for being a good man and your family too. Sandy, my sincere condolences, Eugene will be in our prayers.

Alex Vachaparampil

January 22, 2021

Eugene,

Though we never met in person - you were always my go to guy for an expert opinion on my engineering designs. I have never learned as much from anyone else during my time with Baker as I have learned from you, and off the cuff conversations with you were often the highlight of my day.

Most importantly, you were one of the few rare people I have known over the course of my career who was not only charismatic and easy going, but also displayed rare courage when needed.

Take care Eugene, I only wish I had known you more closely. Wishing you and your family strength and fortitude in this time of sorrow,

Alejandro Pardo

January 22, 2021

You are everything one could look for in a good mentor. You were not just a mentor but an inspiration, a friend and a guide. It was a kind of blessing working with you. The best things you have taught us were not in the curriculum, but in the example you have set. You have been one of the highlights of working at BH. I hope to inspire others as you have inspired me.

Nothing ever really prepares you to say goodbye one last time, especially to someone you have spent your whole life looking up to. I'm hurt but won’t be sad because remembering you will be easy; We'll do every day.

Kathy Broussard

January 22, 2021

Sandy, I am so sorry to hear of Possum’s passing, and I know how much his love & love of life will be missed. My deepest sympathy for you and your family.

Vicki Corso

January 22, 2021

Possum, I will always cherish your friendship you shared with me in my days at Vetco. You scooped me up like a stray and tossed me into that world , teaching me so much and always willing to share your opinion as we walked the Shop floor..lol. You will be missed dearly. I am blessed to have met you.Sandy, my family is thinking of him and you during this time. Saying prayers of comfort and peace, Vicki Corso

John Havey

January 21, 2021

Possum my friend, It was such a shock to learn that we lost you last week as it was always a pleasure to work with you over the years that our paths crossed at GTC/VG. Your father Gene was a special person also! Rest in Peace my friend, as your oilpatch colleagues will definitely miss you! Peace be with your wife Sandy, and family! You and your family are in my prayers!! JHavey

Chris Chan

January 21, 2021

My deepest sympathy in his passing. We will all sure missed him. I have known him since 1997. Always willing to lend a helping hand. Very willing to share technology and patient in educating others. May he Rest In Peace.

Kim Henderson

January 21, 2021

My deepest sympathy to the family! He was such a nice guy to all in high school! I am so sorry for your loss! Kim Henderson

Susan Lincoln

January 21, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

American Heart Association

January 21, 2021

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

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