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Gary Borgeson Obituary
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Connor
November 21, 2019
Hi there,
I'm writing as I've just learned of Gary's passing. I looked him up because he was an instrumental part of my childhood, and I was hoping to schedule a session with him to talk again. I'm horribly sad to hear of his passing. I looked to him and was looking to him now for the same reason as always - because I knew that there would be no judgment and I would feel infinitely better leaving than I would feel entering his space. Gary was an amazing person and I know that you are a proud family for having him in your lives. I wish you all the best in life. There is something extremely charming about a sweater vest, a large smile, and a genuine care in Gary that I will carry with me for my entire life. My love and gratitude are with your family.
Jennifer Youtsey
November 19, 2018
Dear Judy, and the rest of the Borgeson family,
I have so many words, and such little space. Today, I find myself deeply, deeply saddened as I ran across Gary's obituary on accident, really...or perhaps, on purpose. We are lead to the places we are meant to be. I was lead to Gary 13 years ago after my husband was murdered, followed by a strew of other awful life events. I cannot express to everyone how much it meant to me to have Dr. Borgeson help me through my darkest moments. He literally changed my world. I seem to have lost track of time, as I felt like it was earlier this year I had my last session with Gary, but I guess it was actually early 2017. During our last session he told me about the discovery of his ALS, and how he'd be retiring. I cried as he told me, and I cried the whole way home. I had no idea, that last pat on the shoulder, as I went to walk out of his office was our final goodbye.
I cannot express to each of you what this man has done for me, and so many others. I ran across Gary's obituary today as Gary is the very person who lead me to enroll in college at the age of 38. Because of Gary, I decided I wanted to go to school and major in psychology. He made me see things I didn't know existed, he taught me more than any book ever will, and I was absolutely fascinated with every word that came out of his mouth. He was always smiling, so very caring, and incredibly knowledgeable. I remember one of our last meetings (after about a year of not seeing one another), I told Gary how I enrolled in college and was going after my masters in psychology because of him! I know each of you can easily imagine the smile on his face when I told him this news.
Yet, that's what he did...he changed peoples lives.
Today, I had to research some information for a psychology paper, and up popped Gary's obituary. My mouth dropped. This is not what I expected to find; yet, all I found during my sessions with Gary was never what I expected to find either...I found me. I found my love, and my passion. It so happens, this appeared 10 days before my 41st birthday, the day of Gary's one year anniversary...November 29th. Gary knew how much I hated birthdays, now due to him (once again), I find a reason to celebrate. I will celebrate my birthday this year with a big smile on my face, giving thanks to the man who forever changed my life, and lead me directly to "Psychology Road." Gary, your life, all that you were, and all that you'll forever be in each of our hearts is worth celebrating. And you should know - you were right, I can do it...I'll receive my associates degree in May, and then be transferring schools. I'll keep going until I obtain my masters, until I have stored half of the information you had, in my own head. Thank you Gary. My continued love, and prayers are with you Judy and everyone else who was blessed enough to have this man in their lives.
Will Arrington
July 11, 2018
Dr. Borgeson,
Words can't describe how thankful I am that God placed you in my life at one of the hardest times. You have forever impacted me by helping find my purpose and identity in life. I can't thank you enough. I can honestly say I loved Gary and looked up to him like my own father. I will see you again, I'm sure of it. Thank you for your kind, gentle, compassionate, and loving spirit. Thank you for all that you have done for me. You're the man! God bless him and his family.
Paul Tamburello
December 15, 2017
Dear Borgeson family.... to me Gary was a Prince of a man! When I was a Youth Minister many years ago at Columbine Catholic Church he was always there for me whenever I had a crises with a kid or family. He would always take my call and be the support I needed. I have referred countless people to him over the years and all were better for time spent with him! He was a treasure for our community and will be missed! Absolute class act with an amazing smile, sense of humor and heart!
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Barbara Engemoen
December 12, 2017
To Gary's family,
I had the privilege of knowing Gary as a trusted colleague. His warmth and kindness were legendary as was his sense of humor and thoughtfulness. He truly made a difference in this world, and offered others hope and healing. I'm holding you close in my heart at this very sad time.
Kim Zeller Jorgensen
December 8, 2017
To the dear Borgeson family, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Borg truly helped me make it thru HS. My mom was very ill and died at the beginning of my senior year. Little did I know he was preparing me all along, with acceptance, how to grieve and how to move forward. A truly impactful man. May you find comfort in your sweet memories and in each other.
Jennifer Hartman
December 6, 2017
Borgeson family-I highly recommend you go to Bear Creek High School Alumni Facebook page and read all of the wonderful things his previous students posted about him there. He touched so many lives in so many places!
Pat Stoik
December 5, 2017
I always respected how he treated us with respect as students....he will be missed.
Pat Stoik, Class of 1980
Mark Bigelow
December 5, 2017
I am grateful for Mr. Borgeson's place in my life. Borg was the most influential adult during my high school years and helped shape the path of my life. I still think often of him and his thoughtful manner. My condolences to his family in their loss.
Rev. Mark Bigelow, Columbine '78
Columbine 10 Year Memorial - Gary Smiling. He was wonderful.
Bethanee McCandless
December 4, 2017
Chuck and Cyndi Wolff
December 2, 2017
Dear Judy and family, we are so sorry to hear of Gary's illness and passing. Although we lost touch as our children grew up, we always remembered Gary as kind and simply a nice gentle man. After reading all the beautiful messages left by so many we are amazed at all he was and all the many lives he touched. God bless you all and may all your beautiful memories give you strength and help you through such a very hard time.
Chuck and Cyndi Wolff
December 2, 2017
Dear Judy and family, we are so very sorry to hear about Gary's illness and passing. Although we lost touch as our children grew up, we always remembered Gary as very kind and simply a nice gentle man. Through reading all the messages that your dear friends have left, we are amazed at all he was and how he touched so many in his life. God bless you all and may all your beautiful memories help you through such a very hard time.
Chuck and Cyndi Wolff
Julie (Farnes) Flint
December 2, 2017
Mr.B, "Borg" I just read what you wrote in my year book, I'll just reverse it to you. I'll miss you I hope you had a super life- thanks for being so super special. Take Care, Love, Julie
December 2, 2017
Gary made a difference in this world! We will miss him deeply.
The Atencio's
Barbara Ritchie
December 2, 2017
My heart and prayers are with Gary's family and friends during this painful time. Gary has been a part of my family for many years as an exceptional therapist. He helped each of us through our loss of a child/brother. He was always there to lend gentle advice and encouragement to me and my children with our challenges throughout our "journey of life." His amazing ability to listen and guide and be there for so us will always be treasured.
To Judy and his children, I hope you find peace and comfort with the memories that he was a "gentle giant" who gave so much to so many! His life and spirit will live on through so many of us who were fortunate to have known him!
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Barb
Debbie Hall-Martin
December 2, 2017
So very sad to hear of the loss of such a great man. Gary was my psychology teacher in high school and I had the privilege to continue to have contact with him when we attended some of the same workshops. He was an awesome teacher and a mentor. He guided me through my high school years as a trusted and safe adult to talk to. I was honored to be able to have a conversation with Gary several months ago. He was such a strong and courageous man who so many will miss.
Tom Denison
December 1, 2017
Gary taught so many how to listen and to help others. We are all his legacy, as we try to practice what he lived to teach.
Bethanee McCandless
December 1, 2017
Gary was my beloved counselor of 17 years. I'm going to deeply miss his kind and gentle soul. My sister was murdered 17 years ago in the shootings at Columbine. I will be forever grateful for all the healing and love he helped bring into my life. What a difference he made in our community. Last time I saw him I told him he was one of my heroes. ❤ To his family, I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you know he changed my life for the better.
December 1, 2017
He helped so many people and will be greatly missed. ann morton
Mike Burns
December 1, 2017
Gary was a rare, kind soul who had a significant impact on so many lives, including mine. He was a mentor and friend that I will always remember with immense respect and affection. He was one of the few truly unique people I've had the pleasure to know, and he will be greatly missed.
Erika Miller
December 1, 2017
Gary was a close family friend and he gave my parents such joy through out the years. Gary was formative in helping me to develop my skill set in sports and life growing up. He will be dearly missed.
Lauren Spann
December 1, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I have had the pleasure of knowing Gary since I was 7 years old when I was a confused and scared little girl after the passing of my brother. Gary has had a tremendous impact on my life as well as my family and friends. I feel so thankful to have known him, been able to learn and grow from him and have stayed in touch since the very beginning. I was lucky enough to see back and June as I still have needed the positive thoughts and new coping mechanisms throughout my life. I will forever cherish his kind smiles, contagious laughter and warm hugs. Sending my thoughts and prayers to those closest to Gary. May his memory be a blessing to us all.
Jason Longsdorf
December 1, 2017
Gary was such a great guy! I have fond memories of tagging along when my dad, Gary, Tom and Jim would go fishing or playing poker. I'll miss him.
Eleanor Mell
December 1, 2017
Gary was a kind and gentle man who touched many lives in a positive way. He shall be remembered. Prayers for strength and comfort to all his family and friends.
Lara Taschner
December 1, 2017
Gary was my therapist on and off for 15 years! He helped me to see my life in a whole new light. He was not only a therapist but a friend. He will be very missed and I cherish the last moments I shared with him through text bc he couldn't talk.
Love, Lara
Carol Barrow
December 1, 2017
My high school years would have been much harder if Gary Borgeson wasn't there to offer a kind perspective. I will be forever grateful for having known him. His compassionate heart lives on in all whose lives he touched. May his family and friends be comforted in love as they grieve his passing.
Tracey Qualteri
December 1, 2017
How could I even begin to thank a man with such a kind soul and gentle spirit? A man who helped a teenager through one of the toughest times; the loss of a best friend. Dr. Borgeson pulled me through in 1987 and other tough times in my life. He impacted my life in such a positive way and I will be forever grateful. You will be missed, Gary.
Nancy Clas
December 1, 2017
Borg - a great person. I told my son about this wonderful person who was one of the 3 people that formed who I am today. Without Borg I would have been lost. I am sad but thankful I knew him. Borg you will be missed and THANK YOU.
Suzi Bauer
December 1, 2017
I will also cherish my memories of "Borg" throughout high school. What an amazing man, mentor and friend. Peace to you Dr. Borgeson and much love to your family. - Suzi Swenson Bauer
Ty Shriver
December 1, 2017
Sad to hear about Gary's passing
December 1, 2017
Gary was a very special friend to me at CHS He was always kind to me. I am sorry for your lose. Anna C
Jona Henry
November 30, 2017
Gary was a friend of mine at BCHS. We taught Psych/ Soc classes together and shared many fun experiences. He came to our Kittredge home for a Christmas gathering and entertained all of us with his wonderful piano playing, among other great times.
So many will miss his infectious laugh, his soothing manner, his care and concern for others. He was a good man.
D. D. Walsh
November 30, 2017
Borg absolutely changed my life.
Katrina Wallingford
November 30, 2017
In deep grateful to have the experience of Borg in my life through my high school years. I cannot imagine my life had I not met Gary Borgeson. There are no words to express how he touched the my life & the lives of all the people he came into contact through the years. Thank you for sharing your light with us all. Blessings & Peace to your family during this transition.
Julie Cole
November 30, 2017
I knew Gary as a therapist and what a wonderful man and professional he was. He helped me thru one of the hardest times in my life and even though I was struggling with PTSD he made it comfortable and a peaceful place for me to work thru my illness. I will always remember him as happy, intelligent, quick to laugh and smile and the strength that extended beyond himself. Not to mention a friend, a good listener and a loving heart. I gave this to Gary as a thank you, a pastel I drew while in college. It was a small thank you for the help and peace he helped me find. He was amazing and I will miss him and I know I won't be the only one. My thoughts and love go to his family and I hope they know how integral he was to my, and so many others, recovery and quality of life.
Carolee Hayes
November 30, 2017
Gary and I worked closely in JeffCo Schools and kept in contact over the years. I am so saddened by his passing. He gave his heart and soul to help so many people. My life has been enriched by his time on this earth.
Robert Jurasic
November 30, 2017
Always tough to loose a hunting buddy and friend. I wish you well on your current journey and " Happy trails 'til we meet again," Gary.
Konnie Bugge
November 30, 2017
There are no words ... So sorry for your loss,
Konnie Raynie Bugge
November 30, 2017
Please accept my sincere condolences dear family and friends. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you. And may you find hope and comfort in God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
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