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Marcus Borton Obituary
July 19, 1943 - March 16, 2016
Marc Borton passed away at home in San Rafael on March 16, 2016, after a two month battle with stage IV lung cancer. He wanted to "beat this thing" because he still had so many things he wanted to see and do. Born July 19, 1943 in Ross, CA, Marc lived almost his entire life in Marin County (referred to as being totally "Marin-ated.") He was preceded in death by his father, Lyle Maxwell Borton; mother, Agnes Davis Borton; sister, Janet Borton Long; and niece, Debbie Long. He is survived by his wife and soul mate of 42 years, Gleneda Ellis Doran Borton, as well as his beloved pets Maisie and Misha.Marc's parents worked in the Sausalito shipyards during WWII. He was confirmed at St. Hilary's Catholic Church, Tiburon; attended Reed Elementary School; and graduated from Redwood High School in 1962. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965-67 and was stationed in Vietnam with the 14th ICC.
Marc worked for the Alto Fire Department, SFO Helicopter and Commodore Helicopter before starting a career in the wine industry in 1973. Over the years he worked for Sterling Winery and Inglenook Winery, managed the Marin Wine and Spirits flagship store in Tiburon, was Wine Sales Supervisor in SF for Juilliard Alpha, and Sales Representative for Wine Warehouse in the Napa Valley. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of wine. He studied enology at Napa Community College, and following retirement achieved a life goal of having his own wine label. The Blue Horse Wine & Cattle Co. produced two vintages of Napa Valley Petite Sirah, 2005 and 2006, under the Parallel Rows label; the 2005 release was named Wine of the Week by the St. Helena Star.
Marc and Gleneda were married in Reno, NV on April 24, 1980, the 6th anniversary of their first date. They purchased their home on Terrace Avenue in San Rafael in 1980. Maisie was adopted in 2011, and Marc became a well-loved member of the neighborhood community, getting to know everyone as he took her for her daily walks.
In 1984 Marc and Gleneda purchased beach-front land in Bandon, OR and in 1991 started building a house there. Additions were completed in 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2014. With help from family and friends, Marc and Gleneda did almost all of the interior finishing work. Working on "GlenMar" became the focus of virtually every vacation. After retirement they enjoyed spending more time there, relaxing and enjoying walks on the beach and cozy days inside with a fire and good book during storms.
Marc was an extremely talented and creative chef and a wonderful host. Friends and family have many fond memories of delicious meals around the dining room table at GlenMar, overlooking the ocean, off-shore rocks and the setting sun.
Marc and Gleneda loved to travel, and did many road trips around the western US and east coast, as well as Britain, France and Italy. They celebrated Marc's 50th birthday with friends in Scotland, and his 60th by having friends join them at a house they rented near Cortona, Italy. They did a Mediterranean cruise with friends in 2007 which took them to the Greek islands, Turkey and the Ukraine, and in 2014 joined friends who had rented a flat on the Left Bank in Paris. Needless to say, every trip involved good food and good wine.
Marc had a huge intellectual curiosity and truly amazing memory -- he loved to read and it seemed like he remembered everything he ever read – from art to astronomy to ancient Roman history; he loved and was very talented in art, attending College of Marin where he indulged his passion for drawing and painting; he had such a witty and quick sense of humor; and most importantly was one of the kindest people ever, something that people and animals immediately perceived. As a friend in the Napa Valley said, "He was one of the nicest guys I've met. Always interested and interesting. Friendly, smart, kind and generous." The world is a much poorer place without him, but everyone who knew him was enriched by his presence.
A celebration of Marc's life will be held Sat. April 16 from 2:30 – 5:30 at the Sausalito Yacht Club. Marc was a member of the St. Andrews Society of SF, and as said by fellow Scot, Thomas Campbell, 'To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.'
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marcus Borton
Laurea and Roy ARNOLDT
March 23, 2022
One of the finest, funniest, and erudite men that we have ever known. A true gentleman.
Patty Sokolecki-Smoot
August 23, 2019
I was saddened to hear about Marc's death.. so sorry... My husband Fred Smoot and who passed away 2012 used to sit and paint next to Marc. I too when I went to class sat next to Marc. Marc was an excellent painter. Marc even when to the hospital to see Fred.when he was ill.... I am so sorry... I know being a widow as well... that people don't contact you after the memorial... and sometimes you loose friends... I just wanted to send you my condolence... i just saw the memorial on Facebook,, which is too bad because i live in Sausalito and could have come.. I wish you well and if I can be of any service you can contact me
randy boardman
March 26, 2019
Thank you, Marc.
Marc Magee
March 24, 2019
I only knew Marc for a short time, but he was definitely one of the kindest people I have ever met. I studied Enology/viticulture with Marc at Napa Valley College. I didn't have a car, but he always made sure I got to whatever wine convention or exhibition was going on at the time, where ever it was at. I know where ever Marc is at he is probably helping someone. Much love Marc!
Military Honors Ceremony 7/2/16
Gleneda Borton
December 23, 2016
My apologies for it taking me so long, but I finally have been able to post videos of both the Celebration of Life we did for Marc on 4/16/16 at the Sausalito Yacht Club, and the Military Honors Ceremony done at GlenMar, our home in Bandon, OR, on 7/2/16. The links are:
Celebration of Life - Sausalito 4/16/16: https://youtu.be/3ZPfmwtg9D
Military Honors Ceremony - Bandon 7/2/16: https://youtu.be/Ny41aUw09TM
In addition, the video presentation done for his 4/16/16 Celebration of Life is at: https://vimeo.com/164852462
The last thing on the 4/16/16 program at Sausalito was the only thing Marc had ever requested for any remembrance -- "Happy Trails" (sung by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans). The video is at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsYHSl4hBt4
Thanks to everyone who attended, who shared memories, and who provided help and support.
Aaron Robello
December 3, 2016
Gleneda,
I'm sorry for your loss and would like to express my deepest condolences. Visiting and repairing your plumbing issues was always a treat, your collection of art and things of the world was always great to see.
Marc Magee
April 25, 2016
OMG...I didn't know Marcus had passed. Albeit you may have rememberd me, I have not been in communication recently. I am seeing this post at 3:00 in the morning, and I am crying. I took a wine making class at Napa Valley College with Marcus and we were teamed together...we were known as M squared! What a magnificent man! I hate to bring age into the equation...but he was like my grandfather and best friend all at the same time! I hate to be esoteric, but he had a certain magic about him! Much love Glenda!!!
Sundown with Senior
Walter Boore
April 19, 2016
Joel Thompson
April 16, 2016
Wow, I didn't know Mark was such a scholar! I did know he was always a good listener and fun to talk to! I could tell Mark was a treasure trove of interesting information on many subjects that I too was interested in. I always wanted to stop by Mark's n Gleneda's place (GlenMar :) ) on the Coast and help Mark and Gleneda with the building project while we talked about anything from processes of wine-making to recent discoveries of science, to ancient history and civilizations. I'm so glad he must've spent many a late evening on these and other fascinating subjects on all these great leisurely trips he went on with his wife (my 2nd Cousin) Gleneda and their great friends. May we all continue to explore and discover new and fascinating things as Mark did, no matter which world we find ourselves in. Thank you for all the ways that you improved, inspired and enriched so many lives. Farewell Mark,...until we meet again.
Kelly Brady
April 15, 2016
As a child, I knew Marc and Gleneda through my mother. Although I didn't see them often, Marc made a lasting impression with me. When we moved to Washington, we were able to visit much more often and I am so thankful that my family had the opportunity to get to know him.
As with everyone he met, he saw the talents and gifts in my daughters and understood their particular uniqueness. He taught them what it meant to find beauty in everything. He showed one how to catch and cook crab, found books of skulls for the other to draw, and delighted in their unusual approach to life.
Last summer he told me to expose them to art, museums, travel, and food. I promise to do just that. He will always be part of us.
April 14, 2016
In Memory of Marc
As many may know we live in London and unfortunately haven't had an opportunity to visit San Francisco for many years.
We have however had the opportunity to join Marc and Gleneda on a few of their holidays in the UK and Europe.
Both of us have very strong memories of a holiday to Marc's spiritual home, Scotland, in the company of Bob and Micheline Woolard. We had a great tour of the West Coast and so much fun celebrating Marc's birthday in a characterful hotel in Crinan.
Some years later we joined Marc and Gleneda, with some of their friends from the USA, on a wonderful late autumn holiday in Umbria in Italy where we enjoyed convivial evenings with wonderful food - often prepared by Marc.
Most recently in the summer of 2014 we joined Marc and Gleneda, with their friends Scott and Jeff, in Paris where we all had a fun and interesting time just wandering around that fascinating city.
We will miss Marc hugely for so many different reasons - Gleneda will have so many wonderful memories of Marc that will sustain her in the future.
April 14, 2016
In Memory of Marc
As many may know we live in London and unfortunately haven't had an opportunity to visit San Francisco for many years.
We have however had the opportunity to join Marc and Gleneda on a few of their holidays in the UK and Europe.
Both of us have very strong memories of a holiday to Marc's spiritual home, Scotland, in the company of Bob and Micheline Woolard. We had a great tour of the West Coast and so much fun celebrating Marc's birthday in a characterful hotel in Crinan.
Some years later we joined Marc and Gleneda, with some of their friends from the USA, on a wonderful late autumn holiday in Umbria in Italy where we enjoyed convivial evenings with wonderful food - often prepared by Marc.
Most recently in the summer of 2014 we joined Marc and Gleneda, with their friends Scott and Jeff, in Paris where we all had a fun and interesting time just wandering around that fascinating city.
We will miss Marc hugely for so many different reasons - Gleneda will have so many wonderful memories of Marc that will sustain her in the future.
Theresa Roach
April 13, 2016
Since early childhood Gleneda and I have been close friends. Over the last several years I have been privileged to count Marc as my friend also. He was such a pleasant person who welcomed me from the first time we met. Marc made people feel comfortable in his company. He was always open and sincere, a man without pretense. Always seeming to find the interesting and beautiful aspects of everything he encountered. Whether it was music, books, art, nature, people, food, wine or animals, he opened himself up to the possibilities. It is a wonderfully contagious attitude toward life.
Marc took great pleasure in giving pleasure to others. He enjoyed watching his friends enjoy the wonderful meals he prepared. He delighted in finding new varieties of olives, new recipes or a good wine (whether it was Champagne or Two Buck Chuck). He seemed equally comfortable in a fine restaurant or walking on the beach in old boots and jeans. He embraced life and all it had to offer and I feel so fortunate to be among those who could share that with him.
Donn Klewitz
April 12, 2016
I met Marc and Gleneda when they started building their house on Mars in Bandon. I was the masonry contractor for the foundation blocks. Over the years I've worked there as the house grew up the hill. There's still a job or two I haven't done. It wasn't too long ago when I had a notable moment in my friendship with Marc. Marc and Gleneda and I were tiling a floor in their bathroom and it was time to remove the toilet. I felt pretty sure of what I was doing and perhaps that was a mistake. Marc was taking the cues from me and we put one hand under the tank and the other under the bowl and lifted. Nothing to it. Shuffling backward we had made it through two doorways when my grip on the bowl slipped and the toilet dropped breaking the tank into several pieces. I couldn't believe my eyes. That was my favorite toilet, said Marc. I felt so guilty. But when I got home and started telling Tammy the story I realized, I Have Parkinson's. I've got an excuse. Who lets the guy with movement disorder hold the other side of a toilet and back up through two doorways? I felt relieved and it made me smile. When I returned the next morning it really was as though it was no big deal. I finally got the joke. I felt closer to Marc from then on. It was an older brother kind of thing. Marc became one of the few men I truly respected. He was open minded and kind with twist of wry humor and we had many of his fine meals at their table in Bandon.
Tammy's cousin, Dan, and I were returning home here in Kurtistown, Hawaii when the headlights of the car illuminated the yellow steel tube gate and there appeared an owl, about a foot and a half tall, perched atop the post, above the lock and chain. It looked right at us and then flew slowly into the dark. After I closed the gate and got back in the car I marveled at how lucky I felt to see that. Dan steered the car around the bumps of the lava bed road and after a while said, You know the Native Americans believed seeing an owl meant someone was going to die. I wanted to think the owl was beautiful on it's own, flying silently into the night. But in the morning there was an email from Gleneda that Marc had passed away. I cried some. Remembered a lot and thought about the multitude of ways he will be missed.
K Koka
April 12, 2016
Randy Boardman
April 10, 2016
Imagine how happy we were to find ourselves being Bandon neighbors to Marc and Gleneda. We appreciated Marc's generosity and insights into the workings of the Sunset City neighborhood; lots of laughs interspersed with "serious" conversation. To top it off what a pleasure to sit at the beautifully laden Thanksgiving table; (more laughs and serious conversation.) Thank you, Marc, for sharing your life with us. Randy and Peter
Sharon and Mark Fishaut
April 8, 2016
Thought of you today. We went to the Carnegie Deli in NY. We had lovely dill pickles which I ate in memory of Marc and Gleneda's trip with me to Oakland.
Just remember "Death Leaves a heatache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal". Marc is always here in our hearts.
Until we meet again my friend.
Sharon Fishau
April 8, 2016
'Death leaves a heartache no can heal, love lease a memory no one can steal.' Till we meet again .
Karen Koka
April 6, 2016
I wish that I lived closer to Gleneda and Marc so that I would have more memories to share, but the three visits I enjoyed with them and a very long email correspondence (about 18 years or so) has been more than enough for me to agree with the assessment of his kindness, intelligence, humor and culinary abilities. And most of all his great love for Gleneda and all their furry children. The first time I stayed with them in San Rafael I met Willie and Fred. Willie was Marc's dog, heart and soul, and he was very shy of other people. Marc was touchingly protective of him, and so aware of every nuance of Willie's emotions. I am certain that he has always been that way with each little member of the Borton Clan, and know that the current family will be lost without him. I remember him patiently explaining the cult of the vine to a rank beginner, and I often think of him when drinking an extra special wine. His relationship with Gleneda is one that I watched and wished for something similar. Calling them soul mates is a lovely and wholly accurate way to describe it. They came to stay with me in Minnesota for Gleneda's birthday one year, because Marc had found out that it was possible to drive a tank nearby. Knowing it was on her bucket list, he made all of the arrangements--and added the deluxe car-crushing package to the experience! Most of their friends have seen the photograph, but I'm attaching it anyway for the joy and love it represents.
Arthur McMahon
April 4, 2016
Rest in Peace my friend, until we meet again. We know you'll be watching over your beautiful Gleneda ♥ The McMahon family
Laurea & Roy Arnoldt
April 3, 2016
No past tense...Marc, you are a dear and lovely man. I feel honored to have known you.
Laurea & Roy Arnoldt
Walter Boore
April 3, 2016
Marc was the ultimate friend and quintessential host-- gracious, generous, and unpretentious. Spending any time with him was a pleasure--completing home improvement projects together was as enjoyable as being his sous-chef in his kitchen, crabbing beside him on Weber's Pier, or discussing world events over an ale on his deck. He also had a wonderfully wicked sense of humor, once nicknaming me Junior after the Bandon Video Rental Store clerk mistook me for his offspring. Another son I never wanted, he announced while breaking into a wide grin. Marc was an exceptional gentleman and valued friend, forever missed. --Junior
Joanna Puccio
April 3, 2016
So sorry for your loss Glenda. Marc seems like he was a great guy. We love you. Joanna and the Puccio's
Matt White
April 3, 2016
I'll miss his good nature and his sense of humor!
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