Name at birth: | Michael Bordt |
Date of birth: | May 30, 1954 |
Place of birth: | Korntal, Germany |
Date of death: | August 5, 2021 |
Place of death: | Ottawa, Canada |
Resting place: | Ottawa Muslim Cemetery |
Submitted by: | Mila Bordt |
Dr. Michael/Mick/Micki Bordt peacefully left this earth on the morning of 5th August 2021 at his Ottawa home of 30 years. Born to Susie (Elfriede) Locke and Fritz Bordt in the small town of Korntal, Germany in 1954 and moved to Prescott, Ontario in 1956, continuing to pursue a successful, beautiful and adventurous life. He always had a great passion and curiosity for travel which fit in so well with his work, naturally connecting people around the world with similar passions and sharing the gift of seeing the world with his family. He undoubtedly had a special connection with Indonesia after moving there in 1988 where he would meet his wife, Lis.
Countless number of professional and academic achievements over 67 years of life, including but not limited to: 35 years at Statistics Canada, 3 years at United Nations ESCAP Bangkok, OECD Paris, Canada Fisheries and Oceans and a PhD in Geography from University of Ottawa where he dedicated his expertise and passions for the environment, statistics, ecosystems, economy and of course the ocean to make a difference in this world, inspiring colleagues and friends alike.
He recently took on and had a significant part established a superhero project, The Global Ocean Accounts Partnership which is beginning to transform how countries measure and manage the progress towards sustainable ocean development. This project has been his pride and joy over the past 3 years and we can be confident that his esteemed colleagues will continue this project and carry it out the way Michael dreamed of.
Survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Liswati Seram, and their 3 wonderful children, Mila, Dani and Andi Bordt. Son to Elfriede (Susie) Locke. Younger brother to Roswitha Lipman-Baker and older brother to Martin Bordt, Fritz Bordt and Roswitha Stein. Uncle to Jordan Lipman, Devin Lipman, and all of the loving, extended family in Indonesia and Germany. Michael’s legacy will live on for decades to come in his passions for world citizenship, Ocean preservation, endless intellectualism, tastefully dry and clever humour, his abundance of unconditional support, love and generosity for his family, his warmth, kindness, and his famous height. He’s the gentle genius giant we all needed and deserved. We will forever miss his presence and keep our love for him in our hearts always.
The funeral was held on 7th August and was attended by his family, old friends, and colleagues at the Ottawa Mosque and Ottawa Muslim Cemetery. Special thanks to the Ottawa Muslim Association and the Ottawa Mosque for a beautiful service. Thank you to everyone for the support and love over the past month and to all the esteemed colleagues and organisations who donated the hundreds of trees in our father’s name, our family is forever grateful.