A true warrior
Florence May Bork
March 5th, 1945 – August 3rd, 2015
Florence passed away at the care centre in Swift Current, SK surrounded by loved ones. She was the daughter of Arthur Belyea and Lillian Mitchell. She was predeceased by both her parents, and husband of 32 years, Conrad William Bork. Flo leaves behind her devoted friend of 20 years (Roger) Al Ritchie; her sons, John Bork, Douglas (Sheila) Bork, and her daughter Kim Bork; as well as her three siblings. Florence also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Brandy-May Forsythe, Ryan Irving, Matthew Bork, Heather Bork, Jesse Bork, Morgan Wright and her great granddaughter Alyssa.
At 12 years old, Florence and her siblings were places in separate foster homes despite her efforts to keep them together. After being in several foster homes, Flo was placed in Trail B.C. and studied to become a nun. Florence was a painter and was accepted into the Group of Seven Art School but was not able to attend. At 18 she met and married her husband and shortly moves to Terrace BC.
Florence embraced a challenge with style, She managed and dispatched the only taxi service, managed and reported for The News Advertiser and sold over a half million dollars’ worth of advertising in her first year. Florence was also passionate about politics; she was the campaign manager for two winning NDP MLA’s in Terrace.
In 1980, she spearheaded the very first soup kitchen and later food bank in Terrace, funded solely from donations. She co-founded the anti-poverty group and became an advocate for those who were fighting the government, injustice, and abuse especially in poverty.
Flo volunteered as an instructor for 757 Air Cadets, managed hotels, motels and apartment buildings and in 1991 she joined the military as a Canadian Ranger and earned her Special Service Medal as well as her 12 Year CD Medal. In 1993, after her husband’s death, Florence, daughter Kim and later Al started purchasing Pine Mushrooms, finally earning herself the ability to retire and chose the small town of Neville, SK, where she lived until her passing.
Florence loved Rangers, Nature and painting. Up until the very end she passionately fought injustice, trying to fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. Flo deeply loved her family and friends, saying on her final day “I Love You All.”
Flo’s Celebration of Life will be held on August 24th at the Swift Current Legion at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be presented to the local Cancer Society as well as the Kinsmen for their generous help in Flo’s battle with cancer.