Obituary of Royce Borden

Gail and Creta Borden were blessed October 1, 1960, with their first and only child, Royce Rhodell Borden. While growing up in the sod house on the family homestead fifteen miles North of Arriba, Royce enjoyed many outdoor and farming activities. Very early in life, Royce took to skating at the Bethel activity building and he taught many to skate. Later, Royce served as the janitor of the skating rink and Bethel Church of the Brethren for many years. Royce grew in to being a great story teller of local stories and jokes. While building and inventing all types of things, he traveled and visited many places and people to collect parts and antiques. He became a mainstay at farm auctions. Royce learned to read early as a child and consumed many books on a weekly basis; his favorite and most quoted was the King James Bible. While in 4-H, he mastered photography and in doing so, became a history buff for his family and many locals. His triumph in band competitions was with the trumpet. His last musical exploit was with the Men’s Fellowship Praise Group. After attending and graduating from Arriba High School in 1979, he attended the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo. He returned home to farm with his family and for Dale and Mildred Saffer for many summers, during which time, he trained to become a substitute rural carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He was appointed a permanent professional position with the U.S. Postal Service serving in Agate, Limon, Flagler, Basalt and Arriba. Once he was assigned to a permanent position in Arriba, he became a shop steward for the Rural Carriers Union. Life changed drastically for the better on May 18, 2008 for Royce. That day, in Otis, Colorado, Royce married the love of his life, Sandra Jean Chadwick. Together, they purchased a home in Arriba and began the seasonal treks to all the Flagler volleyball games and Otis home basketball games. After his mother, Creta Iralyn Marrow Borden died, Royce moved his father, Gail Maynard Borden, to an apartment in Arriba. Recently, due to health issues, Gail became a resident of the Hugo Nursing Home, with Royce and Sandy visiting regularly throughout each week. Never one to miss church, social events or sports activities, Royce maintained a commitment to assist in the Baptisms of many friends and family members throughout Eastern Colorado. While living a full, joy filled and very active life, in church, marriage and profession, Royce died August 3rd, 2013 of complications from an unavoidable car accident. While many will miss him, all will remember his quick smile, high pitched laughter and love of God.