John Borbonus remembered

BOISE – Family and friends packed St. John’s Cathedral in Boise today to remember 19-year-old Private First Class John Borbonus.

A bomb killed the young soldier on April 12th, just one month before his 20th birthday.

The priest at St. John’s Cathedral says the full house spoke volumes of the life that John Borbonus led and his service to the country.

John’s mother, Maggie Borbonus, says her son will forever be admired for his bravery, commitment and generosity.

“It is now my turn to be brave and stand before this caring community,” said Maggie Borbonus.

Standing bravely before a packed church, Maggie read a letter she received just this past Saturday. John had written it one day before he died.

“I'm counting the days until I come home,” she read aloud.

Maggie said John was an accomplished athlete and student who collected numerous awards over the years.

“The sweetest one, from kindergarten, a certificate which read, thank you for sharing your enthusiasm,” said Maggie Borbonus.

It’s that enthusiasm that will be greatly missed, but definitely not forgotten.

“We all admire you for not taking the easy way through life,” said Maggie Borbonus.

“John was a very positive influence for others and myself, encouraging me to set goals and reach for success in life  He made me want to become a better person,” said Jimmy Hoyt.

John's good friend Jimmy Hoyt says this is not a time to grieve, but a time to celebrate the life John lived.

Father John Legerski urged everyone at this memorial service to live out John's caring and generous ways.

“He would encourage all of us to make a difference,” said Legerski.

“If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, I would walk right up to heaven and bring him back to you again,” said Maggie Borbonus.

John's fellow soldiers wrote about him for today's service.

They said he was a true warrior who embodied characteristics every soldier should strive to emulate.

John Borbonus was laid to rest this afternoon at Cloverdale Memorial Park.