Read Allen "Al" Michael Bordas's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Allen "Al" Michael Bordas

Indianapolis, IN, USA

January 25, 1949 - September 25, 2020

Jan 25, 1949 - Sep 25, 2020

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Allen "Al" Bordas, 71, of Indianapolis, IN passed away unexpectedly on September 25, 2020. This sudden loss - of a beloved husband, devoted brother, and loving uncle - leaves our family deeply saddened, yet our cherished memories of times spent together keep him close in spirit.

Al was born on January 25, 1949 to Michael and Aldona (nee Nakrosius; see Cross) Bordas in Chicago, IL. He attended Sts Peter & Paul Elementary School in Chicago's West Pullman neighborhood and went on to graduate from Mendel Catholic High School in Roseland. Shortly after graduating high school, Al was drafted into the service of the US Army in the Vietnam War and served with honor for two years in Company B of the 720th Military Police Battalion (CO. B, 720th MP BN). He was stationed near Long Binh from early 1969 until his tour of duty was completed.

Upon his return, Al attended DeVry Institute of Technology in preparation for his future career as a Sales and Service Manager with nationally recognized office technology company (3M) Lanier. He was later transferred from their Chicago office to their Indianapolis office, and shortly after his move to the Indy area, he met his future wife, Rebecca Haynes. They married in 1999, and would have celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary in October.

Anyone who knew Allen, knew that he had an immense passion for many things in life, but those closest to him will always remember him as being that person who was always there to lend a hand, or help in anyway he was able to, whenever he was able to. (Sometimes too much, I've been told - as the little sister of a decade older doting brother, I didn't really start talking until I was 3, as my every wish was his command, and I evidently just needed to point at something and he was getting it for me... Alas, I was too young to appreciate it!) Allen was very much the type of guy who believed a hand up was much more helpful than a hand out, and was always there to offer help or advice.

He was a son any parent could be proud of - he was handsome, intelligent, dependable, and genuine. He lived with honor, respect, and integrity... mixed with a great sense of humor, and a style all his own (except for the burgundy and white wavy striped sportcoat and pink ruffled shirt - I think that was the girlfriend's idea, but it WAS the 70s...)

As a younger brother, I'll have to defer to my sister's Diana's comments, but as an older brother, he was the perfect brother for me, and I'll readily admit I was the stereotypical "dorky little sister". I have SO many memories (I'll share more in additional comments), but there are a few that really stand out and exemplify the type of brother he was. For instance, he taught me how to change the oil on a car and gap spark plugs when I was in middle school - and later taught me how to drive in his V8 Chevy Nova SS. Little did he know that he created a monster and I would go on to know more about cars than many of the boys in my world at the time!

He also saved my life on a hot summer day when I was 12. I had been helping neighbors set up a pool across the alley from us when I started feeling a little nauseous (ignoring the need for hydration in 95 degree heat with 95% humidity), so I excused myself to go home. Allen was sitting on the picnic table in our back yard as I came in the back yard gate and my world went black. When I came to, I was laying on the sofa with cold towels all over me and him urging me to sip some tepid salted water... his time in Vietnam helped him recognize heat exhaustion and he got me in and cooled down and feeling better pretty quick... and he stayed with me until he was convinced I was over the worst of it. Had he not been there and known what to do, I may not have been writing this today.

He would go on to be there for me throughout our lives - in both big ways and small... we challenged each other (often just to help each other grow), we supported each other (and there were some almost unbearable hardships), and we shared that bond that siblings share - along with all those ups and downs that come with the territory - and that bond will never be broken. (I'm still pretty sure he was behind the picture falling off the wall the morning he passed - just saying g'bye for now...)

While Allen had made a conscious decision not to have children, he was always "Uncle Al, Kiddie's Pal" to his nieces and nephews, and purposefully or not, was a role model providing his own unique and impassioned views of life and how to get the most out of it. For his nephews, this often was accomplished with rod and reel in hand or during a game on tv... with his nieces, more likely discussions were in the kitchen, since he loved to cook. He always wanted the best for his extended family.

Then there's Rebecca. I can honestly say I can't remember Allen being happier than he was once Rebecca came into his life, and the day she became his wife, I realized why - you could just sense that they were truly soulmates. Their lifestyle reflected their common interests, be it cooking, traveling, or getting involved in community, and even when life threw them a huge curve ball with health issues, that deep abiding love borne of respect, support, and acceptance would get them through.

Al didn't share much of his wartime experiences, but he held a great pride in his own service as well as that of the men and women he served alongside. They were each others' friends, family, medics, confessors, and heroes. Like many, Al came home with scars, although also like many, his were not physical scars easily seen - he struggled often with his memories of the war, but never let it get the best of him. Agent Orange, however, was, unfortunately, not so easily dissuaded from interfering with his life. In honor of his service and in support of all the men and women who have served in our military, we ask that you consider making a contribution to the Hoosier Veterans and Families of Indiana in Allen's honor.

A donation to the RHI Foundation Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, an anchor of hope and unofficial "extended family" of medical caregivers who became an important part of Allen and Rebecca's life, would also be a wonderful way to remember Allen.

At this time there are no immediate plans for a memorial service (thank you 2020), however, we hope to be able to celebrate Al's life with a get-together in the summer of 2021. Updates will be posted on this web page as plans come together.

If you knew Allen, please leave a comment letting us know where you knew him from - and please share any stories you might have of time spent with him. Your memories will become our memories and will help us all to celebrate his life and accomplishments.

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