Joseph "Jose" Bordas, Jr
Joseph "Jose" Bordas, Jr. passed away on June 30, 2001 at the age of
59. Always a community leader, he served as Business Manager and Director
of the Rock Medicine (EMS) Section of the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics from
1982 to 1985.
"Generosity." "Integrity." "Kindness." These words are always heard
when people talk about Jose. I think that we must add "Courage". In 1985,
he suffered a series of strokes that a lesser man would not have survived.
He then bore the difficulty of confinement and limited rehabilitation with
his usual good grace and cheer. Many have remarked on his sly smile, which
reminded people of the actor Donald Sutherland.
At Rock Medicine, Joe's ability to make each volunteer feel special
and appreciated carried the organization through one of its greatest growth
periods. He covered not just a dozen or so Days on the Green and New Year's
shows, but also over 200 events in a year at numerous Bay Area venues.
He had a marvelous knack for seeing what each person needed, and giving
it to them. He certainly gave me what I needed most when I needed it the
most. Leading by example, he wouldn't tolerate anyone being treated with
less than respect and kindness. When I visited him in the nursing home,
I always felt that he was trying to make me feel comfortable.
I can count on one hand the people who have had such a strong (positive)
influence on my life. Even now, I often find myself motivated by a desire
to live up to things that Joe, a true gentleman, instilled in me.
Joe is survived by his mother Lucille Bordas, his brother Paul Bordas,
his stepdaughter Shaina Langston, his wife Honey Kramer and many cousins,
nieces and nephews.
Vaya con Dios, Jose.
This is a work in progress. We would like to include some of the thoughts
and memories of Joe's many friends. If you would like to participate, please
contact Rick Clayton at rclayton@working-systems.com, or leave a message
at (510) 869-3896.
