On Friday, September 7, 2007 with his work not quite finished, Nikolajs Boriss, 94, brought a basket of tomatoes into the kitchen, tucked his lawnmower into the garage, and took leave of his life.
Nick is beloved by many for much.
As a refugee from his beloved Soviet-occupied Latvia, Nick and his wife, Emma, chose Canada in which to raise their young sons.
A champion of all that is Canadian, he admonished his children’s laments about taxes — a heavy fist on the table and a soft voice: “Such cheap rent for such a good country!”
He and Emma (d. 1998) encouraged their children and in-law children to seek learning, to love family and to own a piece of Canada.
A fine example of the phrase “Grow where you’re planted” Nick planted and grew just about everything.
He created flower beds and forests on empty lawns. When his wife died, he learned how to cook, bringing an attitude of enthusiasm to each dish.
Fresh potatoes, warm from the earth, ripe tomatoes from his own vines, salads from his own gardenÑlifeÕs riches were simply grand for this man who was forced to turn his back on his country and begin again.
Nick Boriss — beloved by his 2 sons, Dick (Christine) and Ivar (Donna Douglas). Grandpa to David (Shannon), Karen (Alex Homes), Megan (Jon Mackey), Ben (Amie), and Emily. He embraced his heart-grandaughter Bryn (Adam). Nick was adored by new-found nephews Alex and Bruno (Maija) Boriss, children of his brother lost during the war.
Two little great-grand-daughters, Isabel and Olivia, brought out Nick’s humour and ability to relate, with a laugh, a twinkle, a shared birthday cake.
Entered this earth April 1, 1913 Rezekne, Latvia.
Took flight at Royal Victoria Hospital September 7.
“You’re so right, Dad. Such cheap rent for such good country!”
Vislab, Papa!
Friends may call at the LionsGate Banquet Centre, 386 Blake St, Barrie from 12:30 pm Saturday, September 15. Service to start at 1 pm. Followed by dinner and celebration.
Funeral Arrangements through Marshall W. Driver Cremation & Burial Services. Memorial Donations to Hospice Simcoe Building Campaign, through Marshall Driver, 19 Ross St., Barrie, ON, L4N 1E8, 705 734-7616.
Condolences may be sent to mwdcandbservice@sympatico.ca.
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