Nick Borkovich
The Honourable Nick Borkovich Peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital on Friday May 19, 2017, in his 82nd year. Nick was the loving and beloved husband of Marie (nee Celeste) for 54 great years. He will be remembered by his two girls, Lisa (Doug) and Dana (Glen) for his unconditional love and abiding presence. His grandchildren, Alexandra and Cristina Valeri, and Piper and Maxwell McKerlie, will continue to cherish him for the enduring impact he has had on their lives. Nick was the youngest of five children born to Dragan and Sara Borkovich. He will be remembered by his eldest brother Sam (the late Meleva) and sister-in-law June Ippolito (Tony) and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by siblings Dorothy Markis (George), Violet Peskir (Nick), Stan Borkovich (Verla), brother-in-law Nick Ferencich and son-in-law Ed Valeri. A retired Justice of the Superior Court of Ontario, Nick was passionate about the law. He took great pride in being a graduate of Delta High School and McMaster University in Hamilton and Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. Nick was called to the Ontario bar in 1962, and articled with the late John Munroe and the late Jack Pelech. In 1963, he began a law practice with longtime friend The Honourable Walter Stayshyn. When Walter was appointed to the bench, Nick’s nephew Peter Borkovich and longtime friend Jerry Ingrassia joined the firm under Borkovich and Ingrassia. Nick was appointed to the bench in 1982 and for 28 years until his retirement in 2010 loved going to work every day. Nick had a great zest for life and was happiest when spending time with his grandchildren. He was a constant in their lives and they were the closest to his heart. With his competitive spirit, Nick had a great passion for sports, whether as a player, a coach or a spectator. He always looked forward to golfing with his buddies Angelo Zizzo, Walter Petrash, the late Jack Pelech and many others. He was a basketball coach with the SNF team and, later, for his granddaughter’s Yellow Jackets and Wolfpack teams, never missing a game. He was a regular in the stands at McMaster Marauder football and basketball games. He balanced his sporty side with his enjoyment of live theatre, biographies, and history books, especially enjoying trips to Stratford and Rheo Thompson as well as excursions with his grandkids to the World’s Biggest Book Store in Toronto. Ever stubborn and argumentative, Nick was an intellect with an insatiable sweet tooth, a welcoming smile, humble demeanour and warm heart. Nick often said, “I’ve had a great life.” Much gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Angelo Zizzo for all his support and guidance and to Dr. Bev and the wonderful, compassionate team who cared for Nick at St. Peter’s. As per Nick’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Visitation will take place at BAY GARDENS FUNERAL HOME “William J. Markey Chapel” 947 Rymal Road E., HAMILTON (905.574.0405) on Thursday, May 25 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will take place in the William J. Markey Chapel on Friday, May 26 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, and for those who wish, donations can be made to St. Peter’s Hospital. Please sign the Online Book of Condolences at www.baygardens.ca