Bernard Anton Borgen, 88, passed peacefully to his eternal life surrounded by his family at his home on May 18, 2018. On March 9, 1930, in a neighboring home on the old Columbia River Road in Kennewick (now known as Columbia Park) Delbert and Alice Borgen along with their five children, Audrey, Delbert Jr., Wilber (Bill), Mildred and Robert (Bob) welcomed their sixth child. They named him Bernard Anton but called him Benny. Later in life he would also go by the nicknames Bernie and Ben. Life on the river with other farm families, including relatives who had also made the journey from Norway to Genesse, Idaho and then to Kennewick was a wonderful place to live. Many treasured memories were made there farming turkeys, vegetables and fruit. We loved listening to his humor filled stories. Dad graduated from Kennewick High School with the class of 1948. Following the flood of 1948, he helped his father relocate and build seven homes on land his parents purchased on Clearwater Avenue. The new neighborhood would include homes for his parents and Bob, our family and Mildred's family. The rest of the homes would be used as income rentals for many years. Following his fathers sudden death in January 1954, dad worked to help his mom keep the property rentals running in addition to his career and family responsibilities. He worked as a carpenter apprentice before beginning what would be his life career working for The Northern Pacific and Burlington Northern Railroads. He hired on as a fireman then became an engineer. He retired from railroading in 1992. Dad enlisted in the Air Force in Sept. of 1950 and served his country with honor in Topeka, Kansas during the Korean Conflict. It was while there that he called home and proposed to his soul mate, Dorene Williams whom he had met while at Kennewick High School. They were married in Topeka on March 16, 1952 and a year later welcomed the first of three daughters, Lynn, while stationed there. Dad was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in Sept. 1954. Dad and Mom made Kennewick their lifetime home, rejoining the family on Clearwater Avenue. Daughter number two, Kathy, arrived in 1954 followed by Debbie in 1958. Together they enjoyed 54 years of marriage before moms passing in December of 2008. Never one to be idle, dad wore many hats and was a jack of all trades. There was nothing he couldn't figure out how to do and was a mentoring source for many. He always had just the right tool for every job. With his wonderful sense of humor, quick wit and friendly demeanor he made friends wherever he went. He was a lifetime member of Kennewick First Lutheran Church where he served on various committees throughout the years. Cooking for youth group events and helping the "A Team" keep the church building and grounds well maintained were two of his favorites. Dad belonged to The Sons of Norway where he was active especially in the cooking of the clubs annual lutefisk dinner. He made excellent lefse and homemade bread. He helped build a replica Viking boat used in parades with friends Joe Movik and Cliff Blegen. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. Volunteer activities included delivering meals for Meals On Wheels, Operation Stop for the railroad and he was a member of the Horse Heaven Hills Kiwanis. He was always quick to lend a hand when needed. Hobbies during his life included bird hunting, fly tying and fishing, photography, playing the piano, cast iron cooking, camping and collecting "stuff". Rarely did he think things should be discarded as there would certainly be a time when he could use them. Dad loved his family and taught us by example to care for each other especially in time of need. He always had time to listen to our troubles and offer sage advice. Dad loved nature, birds, dogs and cats and cherished every one he ever owned. Survivors include Daughters and their spouses, Lynn (Greg) Rose, Kathy (Ted) Homme, Kennewick, Debbie (Joe) Kramer, East Wenatchee, Nine Grandchildren, Kristy Rose, Stacey (Dan) Ostler, Leslie (Gary) Kelly, Greg (Ann Marie) Rose, Megan (Ryan) Mumford, Shelley Eby Beauchamp, Allison (Emily Van Kley) Eby, Jared (Jerra) Kramer, Erica (Andy) Kostenko, Five Step-Grandchildren, Chantell (Tyler) Stout, Colt, Cooper, Carson (Kayti), and Clayton Homme, 33 Great-Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews and many many treasured friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, his beloved wife Dorene, and great grandson Ryker Beauchamp in 2016. The family is thankful for the support of Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice especially Lisa, Joan and Leta for their care and compassion in helping us keep dad in his home his last months of life. A Memorial service will be held at Kennewick First Lutheran Church with Pastor Alan Berg officiating on Friday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m. Donations in his honor may be made to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice, Kennewick First Lutheran Church or Pet Over Population Prevention in Benton City. Faith, Family, Friends