Alan Kirby Borthwick

New York City - Alan Kirby Borthwick, long time resident of the Upper West side of Manhattan, died on July 3, 2017 after an 18 month battle with cancer.  Born October 21, 1940 in Port Jefferson, NY, Alan spent his early years in Brooklyn, NY before his parents, the late Helen and Rev. George Borthwick moved to Troy in 1949.  

Alan graduated from Troy High School class of 1958, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester, later his MBA from Pace University, and his license as a CPA. During Alan’s professional career he worked as a financial and statistical analyst for the National Cash Register Company, in Ohio, before moving to New York and working for IBM, JC Penny, Witco Oil, and ASCAP.  Encouraged by his parents, Alan enjoyed traveling, while as a college student to Beirut, Lebanon and Europe, and later with his wife Mary and family throughout the US and across the world.  Alan so enjoyed living in Manhattan for its history, architecture, cultural and educational opportunities, the ballet and museums, and for its port with so many cruise ship departures. He was a long time member of Riverside Church in Manhattan, taking leadership roles on the Board of Trustees, minister-search and financial committees.  For many years he was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Upper West Side YMCA, receiving the Man of the Year award.  As a traveler by ship, Alan enjoyed the World Ships Society Port of New York(PONY) for the camaraderie of ship travelers, and the discussions of the history of ships and travel by sea.  

Alan is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary (Layton); a daughter Karina and  husband Fritz Harding; a son Geoffrey and wife Mary; three grandchildren, Genevieve Harding, Layton Harding,  and Nayongi Borthwick.  He is also survived by a brother David and wife Deborah of Cambridge, NY; and sister Katherine and  husband John Morgan of Granby, CT.  In addition to his parents, Alan was predeceased by his brother Bruce M. Borthwick.  

Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Troy in August, with a memorial service at Riverside Church, NYC in the November.  

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