John Gail Borden

John Gail Borden

John Borden, 69, passed away on Tuesday May 26, 2020.

Born on April 4, 1951, he was the son of the late Albert and Virginia (Richmond) Borden. He was the great, great grandson of Gail Borden, founder of The Borden Milk Co., and named for his uncle who skated at the Lake Placid Olympics.

He attended grade school in Newton. Mass., at the Fessiden School; high school at the Berkshire School in Sheffield, Mass.; and graduated from Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla. At Rollins he was an All-American Soccer Goalie and played that same position prior at the Berkshire School.

He continued Borden Realtors that his parents began, until he merged recently with Sotheby’s in Lakeville, Conn.

He loved fine art, fine food and was a man of his community. For almost a decade he provided scholarships for the Housatonic Valley Regional Art Show and was a mentor for many local artists. He sponsored many shows at the Sharon Playhouse and even made an appearance or two as a stage performer. For a number of years he volunteered as a “sherpa” for the Corner Food Pantry in Lakeville and was a member of the People to People Goodwill Tour of Europe as goalie with the American Soccer Team. 

In addition to being an avid skier and sailor, John was certified for Basic Coastal Cruising, Basic Keelboat Sailing and Bareboat Chartering by the American Sailing Association. He won First Prize at the 2010 Vail, Colorado, Pizza Cook Off. He was very fond of the award and it is prominently displayed in his kitchen. He was a notorious foodie, chef and host and loved entertaining his bevy of clients and friends in his home in Lakeville.

John is survived by his longtime partner Cheryl Swift. He is also survived by one brother and sister, Jay Gano and his wife Patti of Colebrook, Conn., and Sue Blackwell of Wilson, N.C. He was predeceased by his brothers Lew Borden, Dave Borden and Bob Gano. He leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and a world of friends who loved and will miss him greatly.

Donations can be made in his name to the Corner Food Pantry of Lakeville, Conn. A celebration of his life will be held in autumn.

Latest News

Busking in the Berkshires
Brent McCoy of Secret Circus Show at Berkshire Busk!
Roman Iwasiwka

While playing outside in the early post-pandemic days, Berkshire Busk! founder Eugene Carr had an epiphany: why not expand the idea of performing on the street (aka busking)into a full-fledged festival in Great Barrington?

As an entrepreneur and cellist, Carr envisioned a well-organized jamboree featuring regional talent, including musicians, acrobats, storytellers, fire-eaters, and more. He formed a team, connected with local businesses and the town of Great Barrington, and launched Berkshire Busk! in 2021. Since then, Berkshire Busk! has grown into a summer staple for Great Barrington.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Sylvia' brings heart, humor and one unforgettable dog to Sharon Playhouse stage
Jonathan Walker as “Greg” and Jen Cody as “Sylvia”in rehearsal at The Sharon Playhouse.
Aly Morrissey

What if the dog onstage was played by a person? That’s the delightful twist in A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” opening at the Sharon Playhouse on Aug. 29. In this clever and heartfelt comedy, the title character — a stray pup who disrupts the lives of a married couple — is portrayed not in costume but by an actor who brings insight, charm, and chaos to the role.

Stepping into Sylvia’s paws is Jen Cody, who is returning to the Sharon Playhouse in a starring role for her third year in a row, ready to bring this spirited dog to life. She’s joined by Jonathan Walker as Greg, the middle-aged man smitten with his new four-legged friend, and Jennifer Van Dyck as Kate, his wife, whose patience and identity are tested by Sylvia’s sudden presence in their home.

Keep ReadingShow less
Labor Day weekend art, design and local finds

Paul Chaleff’s exhibit at Mad Rose Gallery in Millerton.

Provided

The unofficial end of summer is here, and while some of us may mourn the shortening days and cooler nights, the culturally-inclined denizens of the Litchfield Hills, Berkshires and Taconics have plenty to look forward to.

During Labor Day weekend, visit one of the offerings below, and maybe even take home a watercolor, rug, or locally-crafted wooden bowl to ready your home for the indoor season ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less