Royal Walfred Borkgren

Royal Walfred Borkgren, 95, a native of Cove, died Sept. 6. A memorial service will be on Tuesday at Holman-Hankins-Bowker and Waud, 715 Seventh St., in Oregon City. A graveside service is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday.

He was born April, 15, 1911, in Cove to Martin and Charlotte Borkgren, who immigrated to the United States from Sweden in the late 1800s. Mr. Borkgren graduated from Cove High School in 1931. He then went through diesel engineering school in Seattle and later worked in the boiler-making business in Wenatchee, Wash.

In 1933 he returned to Cove, where he owned and operated the Cove Swimming Pool for the next 33 years. On Dec. 24, 1934, Royal married Esther Anderson and they became an intergral part of the Cove Swimming Pool and community at large until they retired and moved to Portland in 1966.

Within a year, Royal started a new occupation as a boiler and maintenance engineer with Shriners Hosptial in Portland. He continued to work in that capacity until his second retirement at 75. His beloved wife, Esther died Aug. 8, 1987. Royal served an active role in the Army during WWII. While stationed in the Pacific Theater, his transport ship was torpedoed and sank. Being one of the few survivors, he assisted those who hadn't gone down with the ship. Decorations included the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with two Brozne Service Stars, a Good Conduct Medal and a Victory Medal.Royal had a love for people and was a devoted husband, father and friend.

He is survived by daugther Beverly Noble; son Dennis Borkgren; three grandsons; and close companion Faye Collins.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland.