Oresto Antonio Borroz

TRIBUTE RUSTY BORROZ Oresto was born the eldest son of Maurice and Semeria Borroz, on March 26, 1916 in Christopher, Illinois. Growing up on the family farm Rusty kept busy with chores and helping to care for his five younger siblings. They played with their pet crows, squirrels and raccoons. After completing his grade 8 Rusty went to work with his father in the coal mines to help provide for the family as well as learn a working skill. Hearing of job opportunities in the west Rusty drove his dad and friend from Illinois to Oak Creek, Colorado in July 1936. Rusty would spend the next six years working in the coal mines. Rusty joined the army in 1942. He was awaiting orders to deploy when he renewed acquaintances with Nina Stonebrink at a 4th of July fair in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Rusty and Nina were married on July 23, 1942. August 1942 saw Rusty on his way to Camp Roberts where Nina would later join him. Rusty and Nina lived in Ely, Nevada. Here he worked in the copper mines during his military service where he mined for critical metals used in the war effort. The family of three moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 1945 where son Dean was born. The early days of 1946 saw the family move to Oregon.They would spend time in the logging camps of Tillamook , Oregon before Rusty settled his family in Vancouver, Washington. Here daughter Gail and son Clyde would complete the family. Rusty loved the Washington coast where he often took the family. Rusty accepted the Lord as his personal Savior in the early 50's. Later becoming a member of the Minnehaha Community Church. Rusty was a very capable man, repairing cars, building his home and with the help of family he built a 28 foot cabin cruiser in his garage. The opportunity came to work on tugboats running the Columbia River. Rusty decided he would be away from Nina and the kids too much and declined the offer. Starting in 1953 Rusty worked for the S P & S Railroad later to become the Burlington Northern, retiring in 1981. The years after he retired Rusty traveled with Nina to visit their children. Making at least seven trips to Alaska, five driving the Alcan. They made yearly trips to Alberta, Canada. When they weren't heading north they visited Colorado and Arizona. There certainly was a pattern of travel in the life of Rusty. October 19, 2009 while talking with Dad he said "I helped Mama with the little ones. Dad had to be away. They weren't no trouble. You just had to pay attention to them." Rusty loved his family and friends. His greatest joy in the last year was his great grandchildren. Oh how he loved the little ones. They always brought him delight. Rusty was a great example of how to live for and take care of those he loved. Always faithful. Thanks for showing us the way.

Oresto Antonio Borroz

March 26, 1916 - November 17, 2009