We were very sorry to learn that long-time ACFLS member David Borges lost his four-year battle with peripheral neuropathy on July 23, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Merzoian (CFLS, Tulare County), five children, and two granddaughters.
Teresa Merzoian and David Borges
President Leslie Shear remembers: “David was already on the ACFLS Board when I joined it about 15 years ago. He was an active, thoughtful board member who contributed much in every position he held. Many of you will remember that David was one of our newsletter editors before he became President. After he had to give up his practice, David continued taking CLE programs, volunteering his pro bono services, and actively contributing to ACFLS. He remained intellectually engaged in family law issues, and every time we were together,the conversations were interesting.”
David graduated from USC Law School and was admitted to the Bar in 1980. He was ACFLS president in 2001 and, in the words of past president Ron Granberg, he was “a fine lawyer and wonderful colleague, whose sharp intelligence and constant good cheer will be sorely missed.”
Last year David’s hard work on the ACFLS family law reform committee was particularly appreciated; he worked tirelessly on preparing for the Elkins retreat, helping us reach consensus on every issue, proposing a way to increase federal contributions to family court funding, and drafting and editing our Comments. In recent years, David represented Central California on our board, and worked on our program to provide CLE on DVD to family law bar groups in smaller counties.
David’s family was very important to him, and when disability prevented him from actively practicing family law, he took the opportunity for a lot of grandpa time. Teresa, their kids and grandkids often came with David to ACFLS functions, and he would enjoy talking about the family dinners they enjoyed on these trips. Leslie Shear goes on to remember: “One of the many joys of active ACFLS membership was getting to know David. For years we looked forward to Christmas photo cards showing all David and Teresa’s kids. In recent years, those cards have featured their granddaughters.”
We will post information about memorial services when we receive it. Please share photos and memories of David here.
David was a wonderful addition to the ACFLS family; I’m sorry to read of his passing. My heart goes out to his family
Lynne Yates-Carter
David Borges was a dear friend of mine who struggled with illness for a number of years but never let that struggle keep him from helping others and making life better for his large and wonderful family, his friends who will miss him deeply, and the legal community which he served tirelessly for decades. He was a great President of our organization in 2001 and implemented many changes in the way the board operated. He brought a comeraderie and energy to the board that had been lacking for a long time. He led the way to meet the challenges of the 21st century in a realistic and approachable way. He was always fun to be with, whether on the many committees on which we served together or having fun at a social event. My heart goes out to Theresa and their children and grandchildren, for I know how much he will be missed. And, lest it be forgotten, I want to remind all of us who knew him and Theresa how beautifully they made their life together work and how much Theresa was there for David during the last several years without complaint or suspician of tiredness or despair.