GOSHEN COUNTY – Phillip Mark Borrego was born in Boulder, Colo., on Aug. 22, 1959, to Clifford and Shirley Borrego. Known to most as Mark, or Markie, he was also known by his coworkers lovingly as “Phil, because his name was Phillip.”
Mark passed away Feb. 26,2020 after a short illness, surrounded by family and friends.
Mark, the youngest boy of five children, was raised mainly in the Longmont, Colo., area, but moved frequently in his childhood with his mother, four brothers (Ricky, Ronnie, Randy, and Dave) and one sister (Tammy). His childhood was far from easy, but he reflected fondly about shenanigans with cousins and his siblings more than any of the hardships.
Mark served honorably and proudly in the U.S. Army as a mechanic and a cook for over 20 years and retired honorably from the National Guard.
While stationed in Germany, Mark married Petra and they divorced after 12 years. In 1992, destiny intervened, and Mark met up with his high school sweetheart, Tracey Hougard, after more than 17 years apart. Mark and Tracey married on April 15, 1994, and inherited two daughters (Renae and Marti) and a son (Brad).
Although never having biological children, he accepted Tracey’s three as though they were his own. He also had two granddaughters and two grandsons, sharing an extra bond and a love of music with his oldest granddaughter, Kylie Weickum.
Marks favorite past times were starting projects and leaving them undone, getting nagged at by his wife, eating treats that contain coconut (to include candy bars, donuts and ice cream), threatening to move into a van or RV by the river, listening to his old records, and hanging out in his man cave watching crappy old westerns.
Mark loved fishing, camping, cooking, loud rock and roll, bourbon, Marlboro’s and spending time on his front porch with his dogs and his wife.
Mark lived his best life and was taken far too soon. He will be loved, missed and remembered for his goofy antics and sense of humor. He also leaves behind a legacy of strength, tenacity, honor, integrity and overcoming adversity.
Mark is survived by his wife, three children, four grandchildren, brother Dave, sister Tammy and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends
