We Remember
BORNAU, Areal
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Traveling to Nicaragua was just the beginning of what Areal Bornau had planned.
The 22-year-old Kelowna girl wanted to travel the world, learn another culture and later study the fine arts as a tattoo apprentice at Emily Carr University. Areal was a talented artist and her spirit of adventure led her to temporarily leave her position as a first aid attendant in Fort St. John and spend a month backpacking throughout Nicaragua.
But over the weekend, a knock on the door of her parents’ home in Kelowna brought the worst news that the family could ever have imagined. Areal had passed away during her stay at the Elizabeth hostel in San Juan del sur.
On Sunday night Areal’s parents, brother and sisters spoke of Areal’s legacy, passion for life, her perspective on life and how her kindhearted nature should serve as an inspiration to others.
“I just want to live for a change; that’s what this next month is all about. Living, experiencing and enjoying life,” she told her sister, “I want to see nature, wildlife, and the ocean…I’m excited for my first real backpacking/traveling trip.”
Areal left on April 25th and never looked back, except for a few emails sent to her family.
“So far it’s going good: just relaxing and figuring out a little about myself and life. Trying to learn what will truly bring me happiness.” Areal wrote in May. “I’m doing more soul searching and I’ve realized it’s up to me to be happy.”
For her sister and father, Areal’s last days in Canada lives on in the form of a handful of pictures taken at her grandparents place and along Vancouver’s English Bay beach.
Areal Bornau, 22, passed away on the evening of May 8th, 2014 during her backpacking trip in Nicaragua. Survived by her loving parents Ed and Charlene Bornau and her siblings: Corey, Destiny, Carmell, and Bobbi. She spent her last few days relaxing on the gorgeous beaches, swimming in the ocean and contemplating life. She has been reunited with her best friend and walking partner, Cocco, the Pomeranian.
Since learning of Areal’s death, her family has been over whelmed by the outpouring of support from neighbors, friends, teachers, and acquaintances. Her family finds small comfort in realizing how many lives Areal touched.
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 2:18
A Celebration of Areal’s Life will be held on Monday, June 2nd at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
NOTE; THIS SERVICE WILL START ON MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2014 AT 1:00 PM PST.
Service
Monday, June 2nd at 1:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
i want to wish condoences to areal’s family.even though she was just one of the kids hanging around my house she always had a bright light to her face and smile. she was such a kind hearted talented person.it breaks my heart to see her young beautiful face on the obits page,she really doesn’t belong there.i wouldn’t wish losing a child to anyone especially such a beautiful soul like areal.r.i.p. angel
To Areal’s Family and Friends,
I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of beautiful Areal. She was a delight to have in my Grade 6 classroom, and I will cherish my memories of her. There are no words to express the loss of such a lovely young lady who was so full of brightness and warmth. With great sadness in my heart, Pamela Morley (Mrs.Raith, Areal’s Grade 6 Teacher at North Glenmore Elementary)
Photo of Areal and her Animals Display – November 2003
Red, White, and Pink Day – Mrs.Raith’s Classroom – February 2004
Team Building Day at North Glenmore – May 2004
Areal in Grade 6 wearing one of her favourite T-shirts.
My heart aches for you as a family. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your beautiful daughter through her obituary. Keeping you in my prayers.
Here is the “License Plate” that Areal made at the beginning of Grade 6 for the front of her desk. It was on her desk for the whole school year. She had very graciously donated her beautiful work to me at the end of the school year as a sample to show future students.
This is a letter Areal wrote at the beginning of Grade 6 to thank everyone who helped with the terrible fires we had in the summer of 2003. In fact, I remember all of my class watching from school as the fires continued to burn for several weeks into the school year.
This is a poster that Areal made together with Nina Harder on the topic of Global Citizenship in Grade 6. They both kindly donated their lovely poster to me at the end of the school year.
My sincerest condolences to Ariel’s family.
April, Brett and Linda
She was the most amazing person I have ever met. If you can inform me on the date of her funeral. She and I use to talk on the phone for hours, I still can’t believe she’s gone. I love her very much and I’m so sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathy Im so sorry to hear the loss of your daughter may she rest in peace in gods hands.
God Bless to the whole family
The Fusco Family
Dear Ed, Charlene and family… I wept when I read this. Lifting you up in thought and prayer…for strength, comfort and peace through this terribly dark time. Dave
Areal was and has always been one of closest people to me. The memories we shared, her humor and positive radiance are just a few of the things that made Areal a remarkably unique and free-spirited person. All my love to the Bornau family. She was one in a billion and touched the lives of many with her kind heart and multiple talents. Rest in paradise, I will be seeing you.
Yves and I are so sorry for your loss. Areal left you way too early, at such a tender age. From reading her last email, I think it’s safe to say that she was happy, at peace… You truly deserve all the prayers and thoughts sent to you on Fb and obituary.
Love, big hugs, Celine and Yves
Dear Ed & Charlene
I send you my deepest sympathy and prayers at this time of your great loss of Areal. May God Bless you and comfort you.
Manley McCorkell
Very sorry for your loss,,
We send you our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beautiful daughter. May the loving memories of Areal be a constant comfort and fill your heart with peace in the days ahead. With love and heartfelt sorrow from your McKinley neighbours and schoolmates. God bless your family.
Our deepest smypathies..there is no greater loss than that of a child. We remember the smiles and joy of your family at Garden Valley and pray for all of you. Shannon, Fred, Nicole, Shelby & Morgan
Deeply saddened to learn of Areal’s passing, I extend sincere condolences to the Bornau family for this great loss.
So very sorry for your loss.
Charlene my heart goes out to you and Ed and your whole family..Areal was Nicole s first friend in school she was so good to her we will always remember her being so bright, helpful and creative…
Dear Charlene, Ed and family. We are so sorry for your loss. We pray that God will give you peace at this time. We love you and our hearts go out to you.
Dear Ed and Charlene, our family sends our deepest sympathies and prayers at this time of your great loss of Areal. May God Bless you and comfort you.
Ken, Ronda, Eric, and Kristina.
Dear Ed & Charlene along with your entire family,
My heart aches for yours. My deepest sympathies, thoughts & prayers to you. May your cherished memories with Areal you give you comfort.
With much love,
-Nicole
Areal it was a pleasure to have known you.your beautiful smile will be missed but never forgotten. THANK YOU for your friendship and support with my children. I love you girl.Rest in peace till i see you again. ♡
Dear Ed, Charlene and family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on Areal’s passing.
May you find comfort through your faith in the Lord and in the memories of your precious daughter.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Lincoln, Nancy & Logan
Ed and Charlene and family, we are so sorry for your loss, hugs and blessings to you.
Kerry and Brent King
Ed, Charlene and family,
We pray the God of all comfort envelopes you with His presence so you find the strength you need day by day. You are in our heartfelt prayers. With deepest sympathy, the Elloms
Briefly I knew Areal. We enjoyed having her join us in her studies to become a care giver, a Health Care Assistant in her post secondary studies. Areal was such a lovely heart and soul. She had an ethereal light to her face that the people she cared for delighted in having her next to them. We were given a little piece of joy having known her and loved her for her time with us at ProCare. May the wind forever carry her memory over the valley. Hugs Jean
My condolences to Bornau’s family and I hope that Areal’s good memories will remain in everyone’s minds.