The local churches at Borden were all invited April 3 to the Riverbend Fellowship Church for a farewell service honouring Tony, Michelle, McKinley and Zach Martens, who are leaving Borden after Tony served 15 years as the pastor of the Borden Mennonite Brethren Church.
The service began with Darrel and Kathy Wiebe leading in hymn singing, Liz Torrens as MC welcomed everyone and read a scripture. The Adventure Club kids, represented by Sydney, Chloe, Julia and Katelyn, read a few incidents about Tony that happened at Adventure Club then presented him with a signed T-shirt with all the kids’ names on it.
Gayle Wensley spoke on behalf of the local clergy, Andrew Derksen read scripture and a prayer and Mayor Tom Redhead spoke on behalf of the Village as Tony was a councillor. He spoke of all the hard work Tony did for the village. Tom also presented the community monetary gift.
Principal of Borden School, Dean Broughton, spoke of Tony’s involvement with the school as school community council president, coach of basketball for many years and helping with kindergarten orientation, hot lunches and barbecues. He enticed new people to the area. Dean said Tony will leave a lasting legacy through all of his involvement.
Darrel and Kathy then led in hymn singing and Darrel gave a meditation based on Luke 5-1-11. On behalf of the Mennonite Brethren conference, Pat Dergousoff invited the family to the front and then gave a prayer of blessing.
Tony replied to the many tributes, saying he felt humbled by everything spoken. He then read a poem he had composed on leaving and his work while at Borden. He said he has learned much in the 15 years he has been here, thanked everyone for welcoming his family and he thanked all for loving him and his family.
After the closing and sung doxology, everyone went into the main hall for a hot meal with plenty of salads and desserts to go along with the pulled beef and baked potatoes.
After the meal, a PowerPoint presentation was made of the Martens’ life while at Borden, the Riverbend Fellowship presented the family with a wooden framed collage of pictures. Many thanked Tony and family for all they had done in the community during an open microphone session.
The Borden Friendship Club had 40 out for their March supper and birthday celebration March 30. The cakes were baked by Eileen Petrun and Doreen Flath and ice cream was provided by Art Flath. Blowing out the candles were Art and Doreen Flath and Claudia Dyck.
The artwork featured for April is carved ducks and paintings crafted by Donald and Claudia Dyck.
After the dessert was completed, Gerald Wiebe of Radisson entertained with a number of country songs including Almost Persuaded, What a Shame, It Must Be Love, Cowboys Don’t Cry, Dusty Old Farmer and quite a few more, closing with a song, Move On With Our Life, he wrote and entered in an online competition and won.
The winners at the Kaiser tournament March 29 were Jean Hryniuk and Eileen Petrun, There will be one more tournament April 12 at 7 p.m.
Gerald announced there will be a country music show in Radisson Hall on April 10 at 2 p.m. Admission will be by donation, with proceeds going to hall renovations.
April 17, the Borden Seniors are hosting Cash Back at the Borden Community Centre at 2 p.m. Admission is by donation, with proceeds going to the local volunteer firefighters and the Borden Care Home emergency generator fund.
