Matthew Robert Borchard

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news of the sudden passing of Matthew Robert Borchard. Matt was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and teacher.

Matt was born in Lancaster, CA just after his father left for the Vietnam war. When Matt was a year old, his father returned and the family moved back to Camarillo, where the Borchards have been living since they first settled in California. Matt recalled spending weekends helping his grandpa haul stuff around the farm, stretching to reach the pedals of the truck. Matt was the oldest of five brothers. The house was often filled with competitive and energetic games of backyard hoops and lots of baseball practice. 

As a teenager and young adult, Matt discovered a new level of adventure and community in his life while working at Emerald Bay Scout Camp on Catalina Island over eight summers. He first taught archery and then worked as the waterfront director, and built a group of lifelong friends. 

Between summers in Catalina, Matt attended Ventura College and Loyola Marymount University where he received his degree and teaching credential. Matt continued his education at Cal Lutheran where he received a graduate degree. He followed in his parents footsteps and became a teacher in Camarillo. Matt’s classes were filled with dad jokes, goofball moments, and love and patience for each and every one of his students. Matt worked at Camarillo Heights, Los Altos, Las Colinas, and finally Los Primeros, inspiring countless students over the course of his career.

Matt met his future wife, Leslie Borchard in 1993. He connected with Leslie over their shared love of teaching and dreams of raising a family and building a life together in Ventura County. Leslie and Matt were married in 1995. With Leslie, Matt built a faith community through leading bible studies in their church and home.

In 2001, Matt received a kidney transplant from his brother Kelly, which gave him more than 20 years of life.

Matt and Leslie had two children, Will (1999) and Cade (2003). As a father, Matt was involved with his kids’ activities. Matt was known throughout the Ventura and Camarillo communities as a kind and compassionate coach in basketball, baseball, and soccer leagues over the years. Matt coached Quinn’s, Will’s, and Cade’s teams, touching the lives of hundreds of others, always focusing on sportsmanship through personal excellence.

At the age of 46, Matt began learning the guitar in earnest to share a passion with his kids. They enjoyed many jam sessions and concerts together, especially his favorite British bands. Matt loved spending time walking on the beach and hiking the trails in Ojai. He awoke every morning to get to the gym and return in time to make his family breakfast. Friends of Matt knew his love of lying out in the sun while devouring any and all crime novels, always searching for the perfect tan.

Matt was known for his capacity for generosity in both advice and service. Those who knew him would say that he was a good listener and had a humble spirit.

Matt is survived by his wife Leslie Borchard, his parents Bob and JoAnn Borchard, his two children Will and Cade, and his four brothers: Mark, Chris, Kelly, and Quinn. 

A memorial service will be held for Matt at the Conejo Mountain Funeral Home on Sunday June 11, 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please support the Emerald Bay Association: https://emeraldbayalumni.org/product/donate-to-the-eba/ and the Renal Support Network: https://www.rsnhope.org/donate/.

...Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director