H. Ross Borneman

H. Ross Borneman, 92, died peacefully on Friday, August 10, 2007 in Scottsdale, AZ. He was born in Elkhart, IN, where he grew up, raised his family, and successfully developed and expanded his business. Mr. Borneman retired to Paradise Valley where he lived for 31 years. Ross married Barbara Beardsley 61 years ago, June 8, 1946. She survives with a daughter, Mrs. Pamela Burke (Rick) of Irvine, CA; two sons, Ross Beardsley Borneman (deceased Feb. 1, 1987) (Mrs. Valarie Bisbee of Scottsdale, AZ): Peter A. Borneman (Beverly) of Santa Barbara, CA; 7 grandchildren , Amy Burke Schildt, Heather Burke Smith, and Kelley Burke Haywood; Ashley and Brian Borneman; Parker and Laura Borneman, and 4 great grandchildren. His only brother, Bud Borneman preceded Ross in death. Ross was a graduate of the 1938 class at Dartmouth College and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. After college he served 5 years with the U.S. Navy in WW II, a stellar career achieving the rank of lieutenant commander. He was commissioned on a minesweeper, the U.S.S. Triumph, operating in the South Pacific. After the war and marrying Barbara, Ross purchased Elkhart Products Corp. in 1948, a manufacturer of copper fittings. He retired and sold the business in 1970 after growing the company to become an industry leader for plumbing fittings with two plants in Indiana and one in Arkansas. They lived in Naples, FL at that time for 6 years. Mr. Borneman served as a Director of the First National Bank in Elkhart; a member of the Rotary Club in Scottsdale and a member of the Council of Emeritus Advisors for the Business School at Arizona State University. Ross has been a life member of the Episcopal church, a treasurer and member of the vestry of St. Barnabas Episcopal church in Paradise Valley; President of the Dartmouth Club of Phoenix; member of Paradise Valley Country Club; a founding member and Director of the Elcona Country Club in Indiana. Ross was a loving and devoted husband and father. He will be remembered for his honesty and fairness in addition to being a trusted friend to many with a wonderful sense of humor. His life was always in balance. There will be a private family service and interment at St. Barnabas. Memorials may be given to: Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656. Sign the Guest Book at eastvalleytribune.com
This obituary was originally published in the East Valley Tribune.