Allan Thomas Borbridge

On February 13, 2024, after a brief illness, Allan Borbridge passed away in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 85. 

Allan is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Borbridge (née Sackett); daughters, Gloria (Richard) Kushel and Bonnie (Paul Carr) Borbridge; four grandchildren Eric, Caroline (Dahkota), Emma (Bradly), and Lauren (Brayden); great-grandson Lachlan; brothers Gerald (Maureen), Gordon (Maria); sisters Jo-Ann (Bobby) and Mary Lou (Fred). Allan was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Edna Borbridge.

Born in Crossfield, Allan was the eldest of five children and raised on the family farm west of Crossfield. Together with his brothers and sisters, they worked and played on the land that he loved the most. Cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents were always present. Family and farming created the foundation for his life.

Allan met Norma at the Calico Ball in Crossfield. They married on March 26, 1959. Allan was a loving and dedicated husband for nearly 65 years. He watched over his daughters and family, offering guidance and support. He was a proud grandpa who loved his four grandchildren unconditionally and was overjoyed to become a great-grandfather last year. 

Sports were a big part of growing up and Allan played baseball, football, junior hockey, and ran track. A more adventurous side emerged when he drove pony chuckwagons at the local rodeos. Curling, handball, golf, and snow and water skiing followed. He continued playing slow pitch softball and hockey with the Calgary Fire Department Old Timers for many years. As a life-long Flames fan, he was thrilled to have played hockey in the Calgary Saddledome with the Calgary Fire Department Devils against the Flying Fathers. 

Allan was an extremely hard worker who could build or fix anything. Along with his cousin, Norman, they had a successful siding application business for many years. In 1961, Allan joined the Calgary Fire Department. He loved being a firefighter and valued the camaraderie and work ethic of the job. Throughout his 33.5 years of service, Allan rose in the ranks; first to Lieutenant in 1977, after achieving a high score on the exam, followed by Captain in 1982. 

After retiring in 1993, Allan returned to his first love: farming. Helping out on the Konschuk Farms, he spent long hours seeding, swathing, combining, and in the off-season fixing equipment and looking at land. He loved sharing his farming experience with the younger generation and continued actively farming until age 83. Allan was so grateful to John and family for giving him a sense of purpose and connection to the land that he loved. 

Allan and Norma travelled to many places with family and friends; spending winters in Arizona and California and enjoying memorable trips with their daughters and grandchildren to Disneyland, Costa Rica, Kenya, South East Asia, Ireland, and France. These shared memories are held dearly in the hearts of their children and grandchildren. Allan took great enjoyment in reliving these adventures with photos and stories. 

Allan’s grandchildren will remember the great example of love and devotion set by him. He taught them to enjoy and appreciate the little things in life; picking a fresh pea, fixing what was broken, grilling the perfect steak, or playing a game with family and friends. They are forever made to feel like the most special people in the world by their grandfather, even in his last moments. Allan’s was a life very well lived. 

The family would like to thank the amazing staff of Unit 66 at the South Campus Hospital, Dr. Fine and Deb, Dr. Goliath and Trudy. The care, respect, and support Allan and his family received is greatly appreciated. 

A private family gathering will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Calgary Firefighter Burn Treatment Center. https://cfbts.givecloud.co/give