George Borden Makepeace Jr.

George Borden Makepeace Jr., 89, of Islamorada, Florida, passed away March 27, 2024. Borden, as he was affectionately known to all, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on June 11,1934 to beloved parents George Borden Sr. and Edna Makepee. Borden’s mother Edna was the daughter of Ernest Arnold, the prosperous owner of Arnold’s Lonsdale Bakery in Lincoln, RI. Borden lived in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island during his younger childhood years. His family moved to Islamorada in the Florida Keys in 1949. Borden completed 11th grade in the Keys and then graduated from Miami Jackson Senior High School. He then attended college at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. He returned to the Keys in 1958 and did various jobs. In 1960 Borden bought a property in Marathon and started Makepeace Office Equipment. In September of 1960 Hurricane Donna hit and destroyed the store and everthing Borden owned. In 1979 Borden designed and built a 3000 sq ft two story building to house his thriving office equipment business. In 2003 when Borden approached 70 years of age, his life took another twist. Borden married the love of his life, Johanna Vlachos. Borden and Johanna had the perfect marriage, they worshiped each other. He retired from business and adored being able to spend his time with Johanna. Borden was lovingly married to her until her passing in 2012. Borden had two sons that were born in the 1960s. He is survived by his eldest son George Borden Makepeace III, known to all as GB. He was preceded in death by his youngest son Carl Ernest Makepeace (Passed away 10-7-21) and his surviving wife, Kelli Makepeace. He is also survived by his youngest brother David Makepeace, his beautiful wife Linda, and their daughter Sarah. Borden was preceded in death by his younger brother Robert Makepeace and sister Judy Farr. Judy had four surviving sons, Jimmy and wife Debbie, Craig and wife Jackie, Keith Farr (nephew that was Borden’s caretaker until he passed), and Kyle Farr. Borden is also survived by five grandchildren, Bryan, Seanna, Jason and Noah Makepeace. Granddaughter Kaitlin Murray. He also had three great grandchildren, Michael, Sam and Lily Makepeace. Borden was an active member of Matecumbe Methodist Church. In 1957 he was a founding member of the Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge 323 in Marathon, Florida. He also helped start the Marathon Rotary Club in 1961. He was very passionate and committed to his church and both organizations until his passing. A memorial service will be held for Borden May 18th at 10:00 AM at the Matecumbe Methodist Church in Islamorada, Florida. There will be a celebration of Borden’s life immediately following the service at Lorelie Restaurant and Cabana Bar. The Makepeace family invites all of Borden's family and friends to share pictures and memories. Borden loved to share his life through his many stories and it was his wish that everyone would laugh, reminisce, and smile during his celebration of life.

George Borden Makepeace Jr.

June 11, 1934 - March 27, 2024