Obituary

Donald Borgerson, obituary

Mon, 08/11/2014 - 4:00pm

ROCKLAND — Donald F. “Bogie” Borgerson, 92, died Aug. 9, 2014, at Pen Bay Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

A Maine native, Donald was born in Rockland on June 19, 1922, to Carl and Ethel Borgerson. He attended local schools and graduated from Rockland High School in 1941. On July 4, 1942, he married Dorothy Peterson, also of Rockland.

Donald served his country in the United States Navy, and was a veteran of World War II. After his discharge, he spent most of his life as a commercial fisherman and served as a captain aboard the O'Hara's draggers. Following his retirement, he became a self-employed local real estate broker, as well as owning several properties himself in Rockland. He also owned and managed the American gas station, once located on Park Street.

Donald was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. For many years he bred, trained, field-trialed and hunted with his beagles. Donald looked forward each year to deer hunting with his many hunting companions. Donald especially enjoyed his relationship with his kindergarten buddy and lifetime friend, Clarence Butler. Among their many adventures was twice capturing the trophy for "Oldest Team" at the U.S. National Toboggan Championships at the Snow Bowl in Camden. Each year they were a fixture at the pulling races at the Union Fair and could be found wagering a bet or two at the harness races. Their favorite fiddlehead and mackerel spots will forever remain a secret. He would oftentimes invite family members and friends to "take a little ride" with him. He would then spend a few hours driving them about the countryside, far from their original destination spot. He and his passengers treasured his "little rides."

Donald was physically active for his entire life. In addition to outdoor sporting, he enjoyed doing his own landscaping and home maintenance, and he built his own summer cottage on Cargill Pond in Liberty, where his family loved spending time. In his later years, Donald went everywhere with his German shepherd, Zoey, a fierce and loyal companion. The two frequently went on long walks along the shoreline or the Rockland Breakwater.

In his rare quiet time, Donald liked reading Ellery Queen mysteries. He would also spend hours in the kitchen cooking delicious dishes.

He was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy L. Borgerson; and his sister, Doris Glidden of Damariscotta. He is survived by his children, Craig Borgerson and his wife, Vicki, of Rockland, Dianna Day of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Randall Kim Borgerson and his wife, Laurie, of Lewisville, N.C.; his grandchildren, Lynn Borgerson of Owls Head, Tracy Barley of Hope, and Tony Day and Allison Samples, both of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and several great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Ash Point Cemetery on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, at 2 p.m. Relatives and friends are welcome. There will be a gathering at the Park Street house after the service.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.