Alexander Eugene Michael was born to Alojzy and Charlotte Borgiel in Rybnik Poland on November 14, 1937. The family immigrated to Canada where Alex studied at St Mike’s then the University of Toronto where he graduated in medicine in June 1964. It was while doing his residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto that he met his wife Helen who was nursing there. After a whirlwind 4 months they were engaged and married 3 months later. Shortly after they started a family and called Mississauga home for almost 60 years, still living in the house they bought in 1968.

Our dad had a respected and esteemed career. Dr. Borgiel proudly served his community as a family doctor for over 41 years. During that time he also earned the title of President of Medical Staff then Chief of Staff of the Mississauga Hospital earning the reputation of being an efficient and strong leader, always putting the needs of the patients first. After that, he became the Chairman of the Trillium Hospital Foundation. He was never one to shy away from a challenge. Hard work was in his DNA!

Alex retired from the medical profession in 2007 and finally took some time to relax (kind of). He enjoyed playing golf and put his determined attitude into (in his mind “unsuccessfully”) mastering his putt and swing. In sports, as in life, he played to win.

Alex and Helen also loved to travel. They experienced a whopping 100-plus countries together with his favourite city being Vienna, Austria. Many of the travels were also experienced with the beloved OCTOPUS group.

Alex also loved spending time at the cottage in Huntsville. While there, his favourite activities were Rummy Bridge card games, aggravation, happy hour, and dancing to Abba and Boney M’s “Rasputin” on the dock.

Of all of his accomplishments on paper, he was most proud of his family. Alex was immensely proud of his children: Chris (Robyn), Kathy (Anthony) and Teresa (Jeff). As well, Dziadiu’s 8 grandchildren kept him busy and happy: Zachary, Sydney, Casey, Charlotte, Nathan, Stephanie, Lauren, and Rachael. Alex’s loving sister Carin (Ron Dokurno), his nephew Rick Dokurno (Anusha), and niece Sue (Walter Wilowski).

Alexander lost his battle against cancer. His family wishes to extend special thanks to the dedicated staff of the Trillium Health Partners and the Dorothy Ley Hospice. We don’t doubt that it won’t be long before he is organizing something up in heaven. As he always loved to say “Onwards”!

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter “Peel” Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., (Hwy. 10, N of the QEW) on Thursday from 2-4 & 6-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 921 Flagship Dr., Mississauga, on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

For those who wish, donations may be made to Dorothy Ley Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at turnerporter.ca