Obituary of Greg Borotsik

BOROTSIK, Gregory Ian  Sept. 23, 1946 ~ Mar. 23, 2019  It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Gregory Ian Borotsik, 72 years, of Stratford, Ontario from cardiac arrest at the William Osler Hospital in Brampton, Ontario on Saturday March 23, 2019. He is deeply missed by his wife, Sandra Huntley, his sons Michael and Jeremy, brother Ron (Margaret) sister-in-law Beverley (Jack deceased) as well as step daughters Alix Speirs, Mary-Ellen Hesselgrave (Scott) and Beth Huntley (Chris), seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by his beloved fur companions, Arlo and Annie. Greg was predeceased by his father Walter, his mother Jean and his brothers, Jack and Dennis (Beverley deceased). He lived an amazing life. He was born in Toronto, Ontario; throughout his life, was always propelled with an energy level that inspired awe. His family moved to a Brandon, Manitoba seed farm when he was a youngster, where he excelled at school and many sports. Intelligent and curious, he started school in a one room, rural school house – to which he often ran. In summers, he loved and played baseball -morning to night and in the winter, hockey occupied much of his time. By his High School Years, he was attending school in the City of Brandon in order to continue to University and further develop his many skills and talents. An outstanding athlete, he competed in Track and Field, winning many trophies and breaking many records. Still an excellent student, he also played Baseball for the Brandon Clover Leaves. As a young, athletic phenom, he was recruited by this league because of his outstanding ability. Unfortunately, in his teens he developed Crohn’s disease, which continued to be a health challenge for him for the rest of his life. Greg always considered this an inconvenience which he was determined to get beyond. And, he did but he had a constant need to “refuel” in order to replenish his energy reserves stores and maintain the fast pace which was his way. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg 1970, with a BSc in Agriculture and subsequently, joined the Federal Public Service in 1972. After moving to Ottawa in 1987, he was with Agriculture Canada, Health Canada, and finally was part of the group that helped form the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Greg met the love of his life in 1991. He and Sandra delighted in each other and their many common interests. Both loved theatre, entertainment, cycling, refinishing old furniture and ultimately restoring buildings and loved the wonderful opportunities afforded by the City of Ottawa. They bought a home in Ottawa’s Glebe and spent many, many happy hours restoring it to its former glory. They became dedicated theatre patrons and every year would attend The Shaw and Stratford Festivals. Beginning to think of retirement, they bought a property in Stratford in 2004 and moved there permanently in 2005. Greg joined the Front of House at the Stratford Festival shortly after. He absolutely loved it! Every bit … the patrons, the actors, the technical wizards that create all the magic that is theatre. It was always a true pleasure for him to play his part in creating that magic. He began setting up the Lobby chats with the artists after performances and he backed up the managers in all theaters during his last year in the 2018 season. He so loved language and the drama that surrounds performance in every way. He had found a place of wonder for himself at the Stratford Festival and it filled him with pride to be part of such a noble endeavor. And, he made many, many friends! To the end, he remained the dedicated athlete he had been all his life; replacing daily runs with cross-fit, battling ropes, skipping, and cycling and during the winter months, playing weekly on three different hockey teams. Friends will be received by the family at St. James Anglican Church, 41 Mornington St., Stratford on Saturday, April 13 from 1 p.m. until the Celebration of his Life at 2 p.m. The Rev. Canon Dr. Lorne Mitchell will officiate. A reception will be held at the church following the interment in God’s Holy Acre. In memory of Greg, memorial donations may be made to The Stratford Festival, The Stratford Humane Society, St. James Anglican Church or a charity of your choice through Cremation Alternatives, 1-833-738-6777, www.cremationalternatives.com13332341