David Alan Borba, D.D.S. died peacefully on April 27, 2017 in his room at Hospice of the Valley after a sixteen-month bout with ALS. David was born on May 20, 1960 in Fresno, California to Harvey and Judeane Borba. An inquisitive, intelligent child, David grew up with many friends and acquaintances – a trait he cultivated throughout his life. He graduated from the University of Iowa dental school and went on to specialize in prosthodontics. He moved to Phoenix immediately after and met his partner of 27 years, Bill, who was the love of his life. David immediately made a vast circle of friends who always enjoyed his gentle teasing (throwing ice, cockroaches hidden for unsuspecting employees) and his genius for giving them nicknames: TDK, Trixie, Ke$ha among others. David had a penchant for travel visiting towns and countries from Sydney to an underwater restaurant in the Maldives to Cape Town. Part of the fun for him was getting there. He loved airplanes and one of the highlights of his life was when Bill surprised him for his 40th birthday by flying him to Paris on the Concorde. He also enjoyed cruising and was planning a Panama Canal cruise before his untimely death. David was dead serious and skilled in his profession and had the most loyal employees and patients he could have asked for. He loved them like family and was generous and kind to everyone. After his forced retirement due to the disease, he was inundated with cards and letters wishing him well from his patients and friends. His generosity was not only reserved for his employees, friends and family but he practiced pro bono for some and volunteered to developing countries for their dental health. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and is survived by his partner Bill and brother Jace. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Phoenix on Friday, May 19 at 3:00 pm with a reception to follow. In Lieu of gifts or flowers, the family asks donations made to the ALS Association Arizona Chapter.
Kathey Wagner & Jody Sharp-Helton
David was an amazing man, who made everyone feel special. We will miss him dearly and hold Bill in our prayers. Thank you David for being such a wonderful neighbor and friend, rest in peace. Love Kathey, Jody, & Sophie
Yvonne M Nickens
Dr. Borba was truly an amazing man. He was not just my dentist for more than 25 plus years but such a wonderful an caring person. He is resting now in peace with the Good Lord. Bill my prayers and love are with you in this time of such a great lost. Love Yvonne Nickens
Karen Margolis
He was awesome.Kind and friendly person.My condolences to my cousin Bill and to all their family and friends.May he RIP in Gods Hands.
Frances Fattohi
You will be missed my dear friend, now you can RIP! Prayers for Bill and the family, know he is now with Jesus and no longer in pain, till we all meet again! Love Franny and Sabah
Karen and Al Inzano
David and Bill became a very special addition to our Maui neighborhood. Their kindness, sharing of their table, and smiles were enjoyed by so many of us. David kept his sense of humor and smile through the last time we saw him here. What an amazing man. He will be so missed but will now be free of this terrible disease that robbed him, and us, way too early. Bill … we look forward to your return and send our prayers to you and yours as you move through this difficult time. May you have peace knowing you two shared so many wonderful trips, meals, friends … life. God Bless you and welcome David to his eternal paradise.
Judith McHale
Dave was such a fun guy; just wish we had one more meal at Durant’s. I’m so sorry, Bill. Know that you, Dave and your family are in my prayers.
Kelly Kenfield
He was an absolute gift from God to our family. I loved him like a brother. He said the word “Amazing” was way over used, but he was…
And we’ll get to see him again in heaven!
Nadia
Bill and family, our prayers are with you!
Thank you Bman for so many great memories! You were a wonderful man and I am a better person for having known you! You are missed and loved!
-Nadia (Bagel), Jon and Luke
Carol Bradburn
Dear Bill,
I am so sad to hear about Dave. I can’t believe he’s gone so soon. He seemed so well last time we were together . I wish we could have gotten to see him again before he passed. I guess we always think we have more time. He was such a nice man, always with a brilliant smile. We always enjoyed spending time with the two of you. So heartbreaking. My deepest sympathy to you and all that knew and loved him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Catherine Maggiore
I am so, so sorry for your loss, Bill. Dave was a great person…kind, funny and fun to be around. I feel blessed to have known him. God bless you, Bill, during this difficult time.
Diana barnes
Bill. I was so saddened to hear of Daves passing. What a great smile he had! I pray that God brings you comfort during this time. I know your family will be a great source of love and support. Be sure to take care of yourself. As I’m sure Dave would want that for you. May God bless you and keep you.
Maureen Buckley (and Will)
Sending our heartfelt condolences to you, Bill. Dave was such a warm, kind person to be around. His smile will live on in your heart forever. Hoping that your memories soothe your soul and carry you through this terribly difficult time.
Lisa Owens
Dr. Borba was an amazing man and an artist. He built my smile, one tooth at a time. I will always remember him and miss his laugh and wit most of all. We are all so lucky to have had him in our lives. Bill, although we never met, thank you for being there for him through good and bad.
John Korsog
Dr Borba was so kind and caring to me every time I saw him to have my dental work. He remembered my family,my dogs and truly cared for me. He was a special man and he left us to soon. Godspeed to the best dentist ever. I last saw him just before he had to retire and for that I am grateful. Peace to his loved ones.
Marian Patten
To the family of Dr Borba
I am so sorry to hear of Davids passing. My husband and I were both longtime patients. We always enjoyed our time with him. Rest in Peace David.
Pamela Perillo
My heart and prayers go to all ..
I worked for Dr. Borba when I first arrived to Arizona . He was a man of true integrity and a very skilled dentist. I remember something very valuable from Dr. Borba- Two patients arrived at the same time on one day- double booked… Dr. Borba was so calm and went right to the solution and never mentioned it again. That has and always will remain with me to focus on the solution, take care of the problem and not focus on who did what and what went wrong…. The staff that I was lucky enough to work – I refer to as Angels- they are wonderful people and I am grateful to of been a part of their little family for the time I worked with them… Harvey Borba, (Dr. Borba’s father was one of the kindest individuals I have ever met- I will miss them ! )
Sharon & Jerry Cullen
Dave was one of the kindest, most positive people we have met. He and Bill were an amazing couple who highly valued their friends and did a great job of keeping in touch, regardless of distance. We are so glad we were able to spend time with Dave (and Bill) in December. Rest in peace, dear friend. We love you.
Fran & Bob Lyons
Doctor Dave was the best dentist we ever had! His humor, good spirits and gentle demeanor made it much easier to return for the extensive work I needed. He also became a friend. The trust and confidence we had in him have been unmatched. Blessings, Dr. Dave and may your travels and adventures continue on. We will always remember your wonderful smile!
Eric Langenwalter
Dave was truly a kind and honorable person. We were at the University of Iowa at the same time many years ago. He was an incredible friend at a very difficult time of my life. For his patience, humor, and friendship, I will always be grateful. The world is a lesser place without him. Thank God for the memories he left us.
Dave, you will always be missed! Rest in peace in God’s arms my friend.