Donald E. Borchers

Donald E. Borchers, 88, passed away on Tuesday December 16, 2008. He was born in Scranton, PA on October 4, 1920 the son of Ulrich and Louise (Canova) Borchers. Don came to Berlin in 1945 to pursue his career in pulp and paper chemistry. He graduated Syracuse University with a degree in forestry in 1942. While at Syracuse, he met the love of his life, Harriett. After briefly working in Maryland, the chemist and school teacher made their way to Berlin, their ideal location to raise a family. Berlin was also Dons dream come true with its nearby virgin forests and mountains. Don joined Brown Company in 1945 as a chemist in the world-class pulp and paper research department. Later he held positions as technical superintendent of the sulfite mill and supervisor of the pulp mill. Don converted to technology in the 1970s becoming a commercial systems analyst, and programmer and technician for the bleachery until he retired in 1983. While he enjoyed his career, Don was a devoted servant of his family, scouting, his church and his city. In Boy Scouts he rose to the rank of Eagle Scout and led troops in Maryland and New Hampshire where hundreds of boys learned under his skillful and patient hand. He was repeatedly honored by the organization, receiving the Silver Beaver, Wood Badge and Scout Masters Key awards. He led state delegations to Philmont Scout Ranch and a National Jamboree. Don devoted countless hours to youth and leadership in his church. He served as the United Methodist Churchs representative to the Board of Trustees of Tilton School and was awarded the New England United Methodist Award for Excellence in Social Justice Actions. Don served as Youth Leader, Superintendent of Sunday School and Lay Speaker in the UMC. Don believed in universal distribution of the Bible as an active member of the Gideons, and volunteered for the Salvation Army. He would say most importantly, because of his faith, he is with the Lord today. Don also loved his community and state. He served 14 years on the Berlin City Council, numerous appointments to local commissions, chaired the new High School Building Committee and enjoyed state appointments to the NH Library Commission, the State Board of Education and the United Health Service Agency. His love of politics extended to numerous political campaigns and a stint as County Chairman of the NH Republican Party. He enjoyed life-long participation in Rotary International, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow and served a term as Rotary Club president in Berlin. Never one to be idle, Don loved to travel with his family. When the children were grown Harriett and Don extended their excursions, traveling to some 50 countries. He was well known for his many outdoor hobbies including hiking, camping, canoeing, bird watching, and having as many as three gardens at once. He was a member of the Four Thousand Footer Club and hiked all but about 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. He was a good amateur photographer and finish carpenter and, to his familys dismay, an infamous packrat. Don will long be remembered for putting service above self, the strength of his character, and his personal trust in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Members of the family include 1 daughter Dorothy Ouellette and husband Stanley of Berlin, NH; 4 sons Reverend Kenneth Borchers and wife Elizabeth of Swanzey, NH, Dr. David Borchers and wife Catherine of Tilton, NH, Gordon Borchers and wife Sheila of Weare, NH and Timothy Borchers, Esq. and wife Ruth of Medfield, MA; 19 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Harriett (Whitney) Borchers in January of 1993. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 20th at 11 AM, preceded by a Visiting Hour at 10 oclock, at the First Baptist Church, High Street, Berlin. A reception will follow at the church. Donations in memory of Donald in lieu of flowers should be made may be made to First Baptist Church, 79 High St., Berlin, NH, 03570.