Douglas Borgeson

Douglas Wayne Borgeson, 63, of Gladstone, MO passed away on February 9, 2021 after a long and valiant fight with cancer.

Doug was born on May 9, 1957 in Kansas City to Ralph and Betty Jo “BJ” Borgeson. Doug spent over 25 years working next to his brothers in the elevator repair business. In his free time, he loved working with his hands. Whether it be renovating a house, bringing a guitar amp back to life, or building and rebuilding hot rods, motorcycles, and jet boats in his youth - he always had a project in the works.

When he wasn’t at the workbench or under a dune buggy, he loved being near or in the water. He enjoyed frequent trips to Smithville Lake and Table Rock Lake where he had his green-water fun while zipping around in power boats, getting yanked behind one as he slalom skied, or teaching his kids and many of their friends how to wakeboard. He even ended up buying his own 27-foot sailboat, and, with the help of his loved ones, got the boat reassembled and launched in Smithville Lake’s Sailboat Cove in time to enjoy some beautiful days sailing with his family.

However, while he logged the most hours in green water, he was most passionate about his blue-water getaways. He loved taking trips to the islands with family and friends where he would always be calculating the trip-cost-per-minute to use as playful motivation to get everyone to join him in as many activities as possible. Chilling on the beach was fine for a little while, but he was really down there to snorkel, scuba dive, enjoy a day sail, and any other mischief he could get into. He always wanted to experience as much as he could while he was on vacations with his family.

Doug had many talents which included having the ability to fix almost anything, woodworking and making furniture, and playing music, whether he was playing the harmonica, the guitar, or his favorite - the bass. Doug’s generosity was unmatched and he was always committed to helping those in need no matter what.  Led by his strong Christian faith, he used his talents to help others however he could, including taking numerous missionary trips to Guatemala where he would donate guitars to children and teach them how to play.

He was often heard saying, “Don’t ask permission, just ask for forgiveness” - but behind his mischievous grin was a genuine, ever-caring soul that was always ready to extend whatever kindness he could. He was a handyman to whomever needed a repair, a great Boy Scout Leader when his son was in scouting, and an enthusiastic sideline coach at all of his daughter’s high school tennis matches. He was just an all-around great guy who was always willing to lend a listening ear and was always comfortable in his own skin, ready to cut up and joke around with anyone he met.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents and will be greatly remembered and fondly missed by his wife of 35 years, Sandy; children, Kyle (Lauren) and Paige; brothers, Tim and Jeff (Marcy) Borgeson; and numerous extended family and friends.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Good Shepherd Guatemala fund.