John W. Borchard Jr.'s Obituary
John W. Borchard, Jr., 82, passed away peacefully at home on August 1, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. Though the final weeks were difficult, he was fortunate to see all of his children and grandchildren before his death. Friends and colleagues describe John as a significant and respected leader in the agricultural community, a man of character, and a hard-working problem solver committed to improving our community. The family is honored by their kind words of recognition for John’s steadfast dedication.
John was born January 21, 1943 at St. John’s Hospital in Oxnard, CA. The first of six children to John “Jack” and Patricia Borchard, he attended Santa Clara Grammar School and Santa Clara High School and remained ever grateful for his Catholic education and upbringing. In high school, he met his lifelong sweetheart, Nancy Chappell. He accomplished an early goal of admission to the University of Notre Dame (Go Irish!), where he studied Mechanical Engineering. John and Nancy’s long-distance relationship flourished with daily letters and occasional visits. They were married in 1963 and welcomed their first son, David, in 1964. Upon graduation, he was hired by the Eastman Kodak Company and moved his young family to Rochester, NY for a promising career as an engineer. Two years into his “dream job”, he received a call from his father that his help was needed with the family farming business.
Of the pioneering Borchard family, John was the fifth generation to farm in Ventura County. He dedicated the rest of his life to improving the profitability and ensuring the viability of the family’s farming businesses. Additionally, he devoted a significant amount of time to serving his local community. Throughout his career in agriculture John served on multiple boards including the Lima Bean Growers Association Board (12 years), Ojai-Tapo Citrus Association Board (15 years), Saticoy Lemon Association Board (41 years, 15 years as Chairman), Sunkist Growers Inc. Board (15 years), Ventura County Farm Bureau Board (20 years), Zone Mutual Water Company Board (51 years), Oxnard Pest Control Association Board (48 years). Attentive to other needs in the community, he volunteered on the Oxnard Union High School District Educational Partnership Committee, the City of Oxnard General Plan Study Committee and the Ventura-Santa Barbara Health Systems Agency, to name a few.
Inspired by the mission of the Sisters of Mercy and following the example of his mother and father, in 1968 John became actively involved in the Humanitarians and the St. John’s Hospital Foundation to fund important healthcare initiatives. Following the call to serve, he volunteered on the St. John’s Seminary Board to support the formation of future priests. His demonstrable civic, professional, and spiritual service set an example for his children on the importance of self-giving.
Perhaps John’s greatest source of pride and pleasure was supporting and encouraging his children and grandchildren to become educated citizens and follow their individual interests and talents. Through his diligent planning, sacrifice, and saving for the future, he prioritized the care and welfare of his wife and family. John and Nancy arranged events that united their family, such as annual family beach vacations, Fourth of July celebrations, and holiday gatherings. Ultimately this created the bond that saw them all come together to support one another in his final days.
John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy; his son David (Michele) and grandchildren Ian and Kate (Josh) and great-grandchild Aria; son Chris (Carolyn) and grandchildren William and Michael (Alex); daughter Suzanne and grandchildren Erin, Paige, Maddie and Robby; daughter Nicole (Todd) and grandchildren Ben, Nate and Cameron; son Peter; and son Patrick (Michelle) and grandchildren Hannah, Harper and Hayden.
The Borchards are grateful for the generous and thoughtful support to their family from the many friends who have known John over the years. They would especially like to thank the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses Association and the team of physicians overseeing his care. Please join us for a celebration of John’s well-lived life. The Visitation will be held from 5:00pm-8:00pm, with the Rosary recited at 6pm, on Friday, August 15 at Ivy Lawn Funeral Home, 1075 E. Daily Drive, Camarillo, CA. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Saturday, August 16 at Padre Serra Parish Church, located at 5205 Upland Road, Camarillo, CA.
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