Borden Eugene Umlah

Borden “Junior” Umlah, husband, father, firefighter and beloved Grandad, died Sunday, April 17 at home in Halifax. He was seven weeks shy of his 84th birthday. Borden was a proud Haligonian who never strayed far from his roots. He was one of six children born to the late Borden and Georgina (Wessell) of Melville Cove.Borden married Marlene (Taylor) in 1959. They settled in Fairview, raising their sons Scott and Trevor spitting distance from the WD Piercey Sport Field and just up the road from Centennial Arena. Family and community were the cornerstones of Borden’s life. He spent countless hours cheering on his boys and their friends as they played hockey and baseball, revelling in friendships that would last for decades.He was a long-time season ticketholder of the Halifax Mooseheads, supporting the team even when it defied logic to do so. Borden served with distinction for 36 years with the Halifax Fire Department before retiring as District Chief in 1993. He leaves behind his wife, Marlene (Taylor), sons Scott (Michelle Ferdinand) and Trevor (Nancy Waugh), granddaughters Alison and Madeline, and step-grandchildren Paige and Brett Hepburn. Borden is also survived by his brother Donald (Sadie) of Timberlea, along with sisters Anna Holden of Barrie, ON; Myrna (late Ebbie) White of Halifax; Patsy (Allan) Coakley of Kingston, NS and Audrey Jeneroux of London, ON, many nieces and nephews.

For almost 60 years, brother- and sister-in-law Tom and Linda Collins were never far away. Borden was always deeply grateful for the anonymous organ donor whose lungs went to his son, Trevor, 9 years ago. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you support organ donation and tell your own family about your wishes.

A celebration of life will be held 2-4pm Friday, April 22 at the Comfort Hotel, 88 Chain Lake Drive, Bayers Lake in Halifax.

Online condolences www.jasnowfuneralhome.com