Don was born in Hanford, California, to Sam and Rosie Borges, who were farmers in the Central San Joaquin Valley near Lemoore, California. The family moved to San Jose, California, in 1955 because several earthquakes severed well pipes, preventing water from reaching the crops. While working as a tractor salesman, Sam created a side job of cutting wood. Recruiting his three boys and Rosie to cut, deliver, and stack up to two hundred cords of Oak wood a year. The hard work as a youth laid the foundation for Don’s later achievements as an athlete.
Don became the ultimate multi-sport competitor at South Tahoe High School, graduating in 1970. He was a three-sport varsity letterman: football, wrestling, and track. There was no wrestling team at STHS his freshman year; he played basketball and was the most valuable player. He received “All Golden Empire League” player honors in football and track his senior year, second in wrestling in his junior year (he had a knee injury in football that took him out of wrestling his senior year). He was the team captain for almost every team he was on. He wrestled and ran track in college (Sierra College and Sacramento State). At 150 pounds, he played football both offense and defense, middle linebacker and fullback, and return man on the kickoff receiving team. His wrestling career was highlighted by taking down and scoring back points against a Stanford University All-American D1 wrestler. In track, he ran hurdles and middle-distance events and pole-vaulted, bringing team points to every meet. In his senior year at South Tahoe High School, Don was named the 1970 Most Valuable STHS athlete, an honor he shared with his close friend John Phoenix.
While teaching Geometry and PE and coaching in STHS, he continued his education, receiving his Master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. At STHS, he coached football and wrestling, eventually becoming the Athletic Director for many years. He loved sports and excelled in all of them. He even enjoyed attending the softball freshman games, and he may have been the only non-parent spectator – and he enjoyed it.
When asked about Don’s teaching career, many of his students nicknamed him “By the Book Borges,” and many girls teasingly called him “Gorgeous Borges.” His fellow teachers commented that they went to the staff meetings because he always kept it entertaining. He would end his Athletic Director staff report with “And remember, if you can’t be an athlete, be an Athletic Supporter.” Pun intended.
In the summers, he took over the Rosie Borges Water Ski School, which became Borges Waterski and Wakeboard School. One special family, the Sylvios from LA, has been coming to Tahoe for the past 50 years. Don had taught generations of the Sylvios to waterski, and many, as many as 40, still come every year to ski with Don, “one more time!” They have become like family,
Don had many lifelong friends, especially his STHS Class of ‘70 buddies, who have remained extremely close to this day. When Don and Kath would have the “gang” over (he would always think it was funny that six of his close friends in High School married girls with the first name Cathy or Kathy). It became a joke that, as the time approached 9:00 p.m., Don would do a big stretch, yawn, and then point to the front door and lock everyone out! Then he said he needed his “beauty rest.”
Don lived to make people laugh, and there was always a smile on people’s faces when he entered the room.
It’s probably appropriate to end his life while exercising in a swimming pool with a heart attack. His passing will leave a huge hole in many people’s hearts. The many times he led large groups in singing the words to Lorne Green’s greatest hit, the “Bonanza” theme song. Never in tune, but everyone always left laughing.
Don is survived by his wife, Katherine; brothers Dean, Dave, and Dwight (acquired brother Bob Lopez); and their families, along with legions of friends. And the light of Don’s life, their yellow lab EmmyBay (named after the famed Emerald Bay)
He had a great life, great friends, and left a great legacy. Had many friends and admirers, “as many stars that are bright in the clear Tahoe night.”
The family wants to thank the outstanding efforts made by the employees of Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association and the first responders from the City of South Lake Tahoe, who did their best to revive Don. Notices will be sent for a “Celebration of Life” when time allows.
