Louis “Luigi” Borda, beloved husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, and friend passed away after a brief illness on July 1, 2021, with family at his side. He was 99. Born in Tacoma, WA on Christmas Day, 1921 to Salvatore and Rosalie Borda, Louis grew up in a close-knit Italian community of friends and relatives. He worked from a young age, owning a delivery truck as a teenager and working with his dad at the St. Paul Lumber Co.
He became an accomplished accordion player and a skilled roller skater, dancing to the big band music of his day. Louis graduated from Stadium HS and remained in Tacoma until 1942 when he joined the U.S. Coast Guard. Stationed along the WA coast and on Lightship 92 at the Columbia Bar, he served until 1945. He spoke often of these years, of the pride of serving and the lasting friendships he made. After the war, through mutual friends, he met his future bride, Madeleine, of Everett, WA. They wed in 1948 and made their home in the Mt. Baker neighborhood of Seattle and Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Parish where they raised their family, later moving to Mercer Island in 1970. They were married for 62 years until her passing in 2011. Louis worked in auto sales in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, owning his own business in downtown Seattle. He then moved to SeaFirst National Bank as a loan and sales officer where, for over 20 years, he strengthened his ties to the auto dealership community. In retirement Louis dedicated his time to volunteering, wine making, and gardening. He and Madeleine delighted in spending time with grandchildren, passing down their tradition of making bread and pasta. They enjoyed world travel, especially to Italy.
Louis was a faithful St. Monica’s parishioner, making lifelong friends and offering his time to church functions and charity causes. For over 40 years he cooked for fundraising banquets around the region. Throughout his life he was active in Italian organizations, as past president of the Italian Club and member of the Westside Italian Club. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, becoming a Fourth Degree Knight.
Louis was deeply committed to his family, friends, and church. He loved all things Italian. A man who could strike up a conversation with anyone, he touched many lives with his sharp wit and helpful nature.
Survived by his six children, Deacon Richard (Mary), Jim, Thomas (Carol), Rosalie, Marianne Zech (Joe), and John, 13 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and his sister Dolores of Tacoma, Louis will also be remembered by extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Madeleine and his brother William.
Services will be held Monday, July 19, at St. Monica’s Church, Mercer Island. Visitation is at 10:00 a.m. followed by Recitation of the Rosary at 10:30 and Funeral Mass at 11:00.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in his name to the Fulcrum Foundation, www.Fulcrumfoundation.org, or a charity of your choice. Please visit the guestbook at www.columbiafuneralhome.com.
