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Lyle Borkes Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lyle Borkes.
Lyle passed quickly and peacefully while hiking in the Kootenay region north of Christina Lake B.C. with his brother by his side.
Lyle is survived by his two sons: Kyle (Crystal) of Ladysmith B.C and Justin (Sarah) of Nanaimo B.C three grandchildren: Maci, Lyla (due Oct.31 2016) and Holtby. As well as Wife Lidia of 30 years, although recently separated they remained close friends.
Lyle was a 33 year veteran of the R.C.M.P, stationed in Ucluelet B.C, Courtenay B.C, then transferred to air services in Vancouver B.C, Prince George B.C, Prince Rupert B.C and Edmonton A.B. where he retired as a helicopter pilot of 10 years. Lyle loved his work as well as the communities and citizens he served.
Lyle loved the outdoors, and spent countless hours hiking the trails and forests of Vancouver Island, as well as kayaking the waters off Parksville and Courtenay B.C, He loved fast cars and adventures and his life was full of plenty of both.
A contagious smile, and zest for life that was second to none, he lived each day as if it could be his last. To Lyle family was everything, and truly enjoyed the time spent with his grandchildren, and his sons. Although your time with us was brought to a sudden unexpected end, the memories you've made will live on through your family and friends, you were always loved and will never be forgotten.
God Bless you Lyle, and until we see you again thank you for the memories, it was a hell of a ride, rest in peace.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 10, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Parksville Community Conference Centre (132 Jensen Ave E.)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
36 Entries
Steve Hegedus
April 20, 2017
I met Borky in training, and bumped into him throughout my career. He was a happy spirit and always had a smile on his face. My condolences to the family. He will be missed!
Louie Falbo
April 19, 2017
I just found out, today..(2017-04-19) that my good friend, mentor and fishing buddy has passed. Firstly, my condolences go out to the Borkes Family. Secondly.....I am truly at a loss with words and don't know what to say. I met Lyle, Lydia and the boys when I first got posted to Courtenay in 1986 where Lyle eventually ended up being my trainer. He was so charismatic, such a gentleman and what a "smile". We went fishing, he took me up in the plane, we worked on an old 67 Thunderbird together and of course, was always there to give me heck when I did things wrong as a "newbie" Mountie. Those 5 years I spent in Courtenay were by far the best in my service and Lyle was a huge part of that. I feel sick to my stomach in knowing that he is no longer around. Over the years we lost touch with one another but Lyle...You Never Left My Heart!!! God Bless you my friend. Louie
Doug & Audrey Fox
December 9, 2016
Lidia, Justin, Kyle and families: Doug and I are so sad for your loss. We hope that all the Positive and happy times and memories you cherish together with your dad, Lyle will warm your hearts, during this grievous time.
We send much love, hugs, and prayers xoxoxoxoox
David and Elisa White
December 9, 2016
We didn't know Lyle, but we are friends of Lidia and see her sadness, and feel solidarity for her, and their children, in this moment. Elisa and David.
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December 9, 2016
We were shocked to hear of Lyle's passing, we are so sorry for your loss. Lyle was an amazing man, with an infectious smile, with a great personality, he lit up the room. He was a close friend to our family, and a mentor to my younger brother. He did live life to the fullest, and had many adventures with his work, family and friends. He will be greatly missed. David and Lynne Munro
Bridget Kulbaba
November 27, 2016
I grew up with Lyle,he was my older cousin who always made time for us kids.My brother (Ken) and I (Bridget).He would tease us,rough house us,joke with us and we loved it all.We looked up to him.I'm grateful I had the opportunity to have reconnected with Lyle and I am honored to have known him and to call him my cousin.Thank-You Lyle for being you and touching so many hearts.I still look up to you and may I be like you as well.Love your cousin Bridget:)
Don McDermid
November 24, 2016
I was saddened to learn of Lyle's sudden passing. My sincere condolences to his family.
Don McDermid
RCMP Assistant Commissioner (RTD)
November 11, 2016
From one coast to the other we, members of RCMP constantly meet the membership of this force that we enjoy that we have worked with during our careers. I am also one whom enjoyed to meet and work with Lyle in Edmonton air services . As we age we are constantly being reminded how life is. I give my condolences to his family. I thank Lyle for his friendship As he teased me as the " cod fisher" from Nova Scotia.
Larry Archibald
Reg. 33339 retired
RCMP Nova scotia
Sharon Isfeld
November 11, 2016
Kyle, Justin and Families: Our deepest condolences for your loss. I have known Lyle since he was a baby. We were close neighbors growing up here in Castlegar. Whenever he came to town he would always checked in on us. We can't express how much we are going to miss him and will hold dear the memories of the times together. Like a proud father, he spoke of you boys often. Love you Lyle. Till we meet again. Sharon (DD) and Theron Isfeld
Jennifer Maitland
November 9, 2016
With deepest sympathy as you remember Lyle. We were saddened to hear of his passing.
With our condolences,
Jennifer Maitland & Glen Hornseth
Wayne Reddon & Family
November 3, 2016
Lidia, Justin and Kyle; This is so sad and unexpected. It reminds us all of how short the ride can be. I just wanted to pass on our most sincere condolences to all of you and your families. I only hope that your memories of Lyle/your dad, will help ease the pain that you are feeling. He was definitely one of the "good guys" and will be missed. He was always able to make us laugh, and had a wit that was truly remarkable. He was a man of character and integrity, and cared very deeply about all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Randy Munro
October 29, 2016
It was with shock and sadness when I read about Lyle's passing. We knew each other when he was going to Selkirk College and I was at my first RCMP posting at Castlegar. Such good memories. Our paths crossed over the years and the last time I saw him we talked of time passing but his smile still lit up everything around him. Such an early exit for someone who so enjoyed life and family.
Audrey Haughn
October 27, 2016
I was shocked to hear of Lyle's passing, such a young age.
Lyle spent many hours at our home in the mid-80s, talking flying with my husband and taking ground-school in our kitchen. Lyle and Tom also enjoyed a connection outside of instructor and student; they were good friends, as well.
I used to call Lyle the son that I never had. He was such a bright light in our home, ever smiling and positive. I remember once he arrived carrying a beautiful wooden rocking horse he had made for our young grandchildren. Lyle was like that - ever thoughtful and generous.
He will be greatly missed by all. My sincere condolences to all his family.
Mickey & Dennis Colburn
October 25, 2016
So sad to hear of Lyle's passing. Our deepest condolences to Lidia, the boys and their families. We met Lyle in Courtenay in the late 1980's. He had an infectious, easy smile. He had the flying bug and followed his heart. Mickey was his very first passenger when he got his fixed wing license. Randy Hildebrandt gave him the nickname of Waldo. We had many laughs about that. He will be sadly missed. Rest easy Waldo.
Al Malcomson
October 23, 2016
That is a total shock, Lyle and I went through Regina together, I was a troop ahead of him but there were very few troops in training back then and we all got to know each other fairly well. I later ran into him quite a bit when he was stationed in Ukie and I was in Port Alberni.....a super comrade in arms and well liked by all. He was as fit as a fiddle and was taken far before his time.....Our kindest regards to the family at this time of sorrow Al Malcomson #33667 retired RCMP
Diane Pratt
October 22, 2016
Our condolences to Lyle's family and friends.
from the members of the Christina Lake Community Hall Auxiliary
John Slater
October 22, 2016
I worked with Lyle near Conklin, Alberta and Pink Mountain, BC. He was always thinking of ways that the task could be performed much better.
When he made you his friend, he was your friend for ever. Although our contact had been reduced to phone calls he always kept in touch.
I still cannot believe that he has passed away and left a large hole in all of our lives.
Jeri Featherley
October 20, 2016
I am saddened to hear that the family has lost Lyle so suddenly. I knew Lyle from working at Edmonton RCMP Air Services. He was a dedicated member and I shall remember him fondly.
Chris Knight
October 19, 2016
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Lyle in Northern BC. A proud family man, and a true gentleman always. Rest easy my friend.
Rob and Robin Manuel
October 18, 2016
Our sincere condolences to the Borkes family. Like many others, we first met Lyle after being posted to Courtenay with the RCMP. He was a pleasure to be around, whether at work, or otherwise. And he always had lots of patience and good advice for an RCMP newbie like me. Lyle had a boyish charm about him -- and that great smile -- that you couldn't help but like. We'll remember him fondly.
Herb and Ellen Geisser
October 18, 2016
So very sad to hear of Lyles passing. We met Lyle in Courtenay, and reconnected in Prince Rupert. A hard worker with a smile that could light the world, he will be sadly missed. Herb and Ellen Geisser
Wayne Kachur
October 18, 2016
We have lost a dear friend to everyone that knew Lyle. Funny, kind hearted, prankster, make you laugh so hard it hurt. I had the pleasure of working with Lyle in Courtenay, and was honoured to call him my friend. So many of you nailed it; he always saw the good in people and situations and he was a pleasure to be with. Too many hilarious stories to talk about; some in the hockey rink where he was a great teammate; some from ERT where his steady personality and bravery was befitting. I reconnected with Lyle in St. Albert where we both lived and we rode our motorcycles together. God rest your soul Brother; a truly good one. My condolences to Lydia, Kyle and Justin and families, and the Borkes family.
Kayaking... And teaching me to blow through grass!!
Erik Hedley
October 17, 2016
I met Lyle in August 2016. My mom and I were in Comox visiting my gramma. On two of the days we spent with Lyle, we kayaked from Courtenay to the Spit and also from the airpark up the Puntledge River. We called Lyle our police escort, and that made him laugh! But what I remember about Lyle is that he made me laugh. He told me lots of mischievous stories (like one about painting his brother green - everywhere!) and I loved those stories! What I also remember about Lyle is his big smile. He made me feel good. I also felt good because I knew that Lyle believed in me. He wrote me a poem in August, and he told me that dreams are built on 'can'. He taught me a lot, and I will miss talking with him. I'm happy I got to meet him.
P.S. We called our August adventures "Awesome August" and we found a perfect message to go with the pictures we sent Lyle: "When you're around, life always seems more fun and happy. You're like an app for awesomeness."
Teresa Hedley
October 17, 2016
I first met Lyle 31 years ago in our kitchen in Comox. My father, Tom Haughn, was Lyle's flight instructor, and Lyle was a frequent visitor to our house in the summer of 1985.
Exactly 30 years later, in July 2015, our paths crossed again. Lyle and I ran into each other at the Comox airport, fitting, given our connection through flight. This is what I wrote to him after that chance encounter:
"I thought of my dad talking with you all those years ago, and I know why he enjoyed your company so much. You see the good, and you bring out the good in others. I felt that, and I am certain my dad did, too. Your family is fortunate to have such a bright light. That's what I always remembered about you - your smile and positivity - and there it was again, thirty years later, totally intact." :)
Rest in peace, Lyle. Together your family and friends will carry your message forward: "Believe in yourself and think positive."
Ken Boody
October 17, 2016
Lyle you will be missed. From our RCMP days at Depot and Courtenay you were a remarkable police officer and friend. Although we didn't keep in touch for many years, I always remember your keen approach to your work, your El Camino, hiking on Long Beach and fishing off Comox. The RCMP, Canada, your family and friends benefitted greatly by you. Thanks and Happy Trails.
Ken & Nancy Boody
Mark Whittington
October 16, 2016
Lyle was my brother, my friend and my mentor. I have known Lyle since the late seventies. He was a significant part of my life until the day he passed. We shared a love of aviation including fixed wing and rotary. We played tennis together, we flew together and we shared long talks about the past, the present and the future. It is a profound loss for myself and my family. I will take care of the boys Buddy..so don't worry until we meet again.
October 16, 2016
Lyle and I worked together at Courtenay in the 1980s. A hard worker, a light hearted spirit and an infectious smile. May your memories bring you comfort during this most difficult time. Amber (Schroter) Dufour. Comox, BC
Steve Hegedus
October 15, 2016
Lyle and I went thru training together and occasionally bumped into each other throughout our respective careers. He was an extremely likeable person and a very positive human being. He will be missed!
Rick ROSS
October 15, 2016
Lyle and I worked together on GIS back in our Courtenay days and always stayed in contact over the years since. We both shared a passion for cars, airplanes, and mechanical things. Just recently Lyle passed through Chilliwack where we met for dinner, had a drink, and reminisced about the good times. Lyle was a stand up guy with a great sense of humour and an honourable man. RIP brother.
Lou & Sally Goulet
October 15, 2016
We are saddened and please accept our sincerest condolences to you and your families. I was in Ucluelet and Courtenay in the early days and of course when Lyle arrived to Courtenay his smile would light up the room. While we went to different parts of the country in the years that followed, we always had and always will have fond memories of Lyle. May he rest in peace.
Art Hoivik
October 14, 2016
I had the pleasure of working with Lyle at Courtenay RCMP Detachment during the late 70's and early 80's. We were on the same shift which included Lyle, Lorne Zimmerman, Rick Ross and myself. We shared good times both on and off the job. Lyle always had a big smile. He was a hard worker, a real gentleman, upstanding and loyal. You paid your dues in full on Earth. You can now spread your wings and fly with the Angels.
Ron Jones
October 14, 2016
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Lyle. He was a good friend and colleague. He could put a smile on anyone's face and he was always positive, he saw the best in people. His life revolved around his two boys and their families. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Brian Johnson
October 13, 2016
Very nice warm man. Rest in peace Lyle..........
Vince Alongi
October 12, 2016
Pleasure meeting you and working with you. Take care bud, wherever you are.
Pau Jacobsen
October 12, 2016
I had the pleasure of working with Lyle for a year and a half up north. He was always smiling and seeing the best in people. Rest easy Lyle.......you will be missed my friend.
Dave Smith
October 12, 2016
This was very sad news as I've known Lyle for 30 years. He always had a smile on his face and never let things get him down. I know that his boys were always his first priority. He will be missed.
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