Thomas Borden Fawcett

Thomas Borden Fawcett born Gananoque, Ontario, November 18, 1914 Passed away October 24, 2014. Predeceased by wife Iris, brothers Rodney, and Richard. Survived by nephew Rodney (Heather) PFawcett Orangeville, Ontario, Niece Joanne (Peter) Moss Thurder Bay, Ontario. Several Great and Great Grand nieces and nephews. He received Elementary and High School education at Avonmore, Stormont County, Ontario. During his working years 1931 to retirement 1979 he experienced a vast diversity of occupations. Sailed Great Lakes, on Canada Starch Company’s freighter S.S. Casco, Two years apprentice ship and six years as a certified cheese and butter maker in the family’s three cheese factories. Three years hard rock gold mining with the Noranda Mining Company Timmins, Ontario.

He received original pilot’s certificate at the Ottawa Flying Club 1937. Joined Royal Canadian Air Force 1941. Following discharge he returned to South Porcupine, Ontario, and organized Northland Aviation Limited commercial charter and flying training. He sold his interest in the company 1949 and joined the Ontario Department of Lands and Forest Air Service, In 1956 he accepted an executive pilot’s position with Steep Rock Iron Mines, a branch of the Cyrus Eaton Industrial Empire Cleveland, Ohio. Borden and Iris retired to Victoria 1964 but his love for flying quickly drew him back to the airport training private and commercial pilots. In 1969 desring a change of avocation a west coast commercial salmon troller was built and christened the Rogers Pass. He spent seven seasons fishing the west coast between Queen Charlottes and Washington. He took an active part with the Pacific Trollers Association as director for the Victoria Branch and later Vice President of the association. He proposed and negotiated a fuel discount agreement with Imperial Oil Limited, which refunded over one million dollars to PTA members. He also Proposed and taught a special course at Camosun College during off season to train boys desiring employment in the commercial trolling Industry. Due to popular response similar course were adopted by Douglas and Malaspina Colleagues. On retirement from fishing Pacific Trollers Association honored Borden a Honorary life Membership From 1973 to 1979 he was employed by the B.C. Government Sergeant at Arms when parliament was in session. Retiring at 65 he took up the sport of motorcycling, which resulted in several solo rides to Ontario, and New York State. His final 7100 mile ride to new York occurred in 2005 at age 92. Funeral Service will take place on Friday October 31, 2014 at 2:00PM at First Memorial Funeral Services 4725 Falaise Drive.