Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted July 4, 2019 Share Posted July 4, 2019 It greatly saddens me to report that we’ve lost another cowboy. At 0310 Monday morning Hank, aka Jim Borton, “took the 3:10 to Yuma” and rode off to join the Heavenly posse. Although he hadn’t been active for a while, Hank was one of the founding members of the renowned Kings River Regulators, and over the years his encouragement and influence helped introduce a number of people to the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting. Beyond the world of SASS, he had a good life ~ married well, raised three very fine kids, was a successful rancher, active in his community... and was a downright interesting man. Hank has been featured prominently in some of the short stories I've posted here over the years, which a few of y'all may have read. I've spent quite a bit of time with his family the last couple of weeks - those stories and a whole bunch more were relived; sometimes multiple times: "Hey, Hardpan! Mary Sue wasn't here last night; can ya tell the story about the rhubarb pie again?" A wonderful friend and the big brother I never had for nearly fifty years, Jim and I shared some good times, a bunch of adventures, and maybe more than a few terrifying moments. Which surprisingly we survived, relatively intact, even! Just for the fun of it, I'll tack on a couple of pictures from "back in the day." Fraternity parties - 1971, and 1973 respectively. The last is Half-Breed Pete and Hank preparing for a ride through Golden Gate Park the day after our annual "Western Party" (we hid the horses in the back yard for two weeks!). Future SASS member for sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 Posted July 4, 2019 Share Posted July 4, 2019 I am so sorry for the loss of a good man. Hubby went to Reedley JC with him. Hubby's mom and Hank's mom were friends. I met him once. I'm glad to have done that. RIP Hank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duffield, SASS #23454 Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 Good friends are a treasure far more valuable than any possession or any honor that can be bestowed. My condolences for your loss. Duffield Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474 Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 I'm sorry for your loss Pard. I know how tough it is to lose such a good friend and partner. Remember all the good times - even the horror shows and the events that had you go "Whew!! That was close!!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wapaloosie73 Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 Dang! I would shake any mans hand that rode through Golden gate park and kept a horse in his back yard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocWard Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 My condolences to you, his family and other friends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Riot Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 I am sorry for your loss, Hardpan. The loss of a friend is a loss of a family member. Our friends are sometimes closer than family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyesa Horg Posted July 6, 2019 Share Posted July 6, 2019 My sincere condolences on the loss of your friend Hardpan. Prayers goin up for his friends and family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted July 6, 2019 Share Posted July 6, 2019 My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Sounds like a great guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smoken D Posted July 6, 2019 Share Posted July 6, 2019 Condolences for the loss of a good family man and a great partner. Till we all meet again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 Posted July 7, 2019 Share Posted July 7, 2019 Dear Hardpan, In the small world department, we went to Reedley to celebrate Hubby's mom's 96th birthday today and talked about Hank. I found out that my MIL graduated from HS in 1941 with Hank's mom, who is still living with Hank's wife on the family farm. They still have reunions every year with the four remaining graduates. Another of their class lives in the same complex as my MIL. So sorry for your loss, I know from your stories and Hubby's that he was fun to be around. Sincerely, Allie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted July 7, 2019 Author Share Posted July 7, 2019 Allie, if you're still in Reedley, the visitation is tomorrow 2 - 6, at Dopkins Funeral Chapel in Dinuba. I know Jim's mom, Francis, very well, and have seen her quite a bit lately. We always exchange hugs... I had a hard time keeping it together a few nights ago when she called me "Jim's close friend and brother." Jim asked me two weeks ago to do his eulogy. That was a tough thing to hear - but an honor. The service is Monday, at Christ Lutheran Church in Reedley, 10:00 a. m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted July 7, 2019 Author Share Posted July 7, 2019 Double tap. Darnit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 Posted July 7, 2019 Share Posted July 7, 2019 Hi Hardpan, We only went for a day. I'm sure you will give an excellent eulogy. You have a way with stories. I don't know if Hubby's mom will go. My sister-in-law is still there. Allie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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