Doyle Borchers Obituary

Doyle Borchers, of Napa, 83, passed away on October 5, 2025 after a sudden illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. Doyle was well known in the Napa Valley for his highly decorated naval career. He was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, class of 1965 where he was captain of the National Champion Crew Team. Doyle was a fighter pilot, test pilot and instructor. He commanded squadrons and ships, was an advisor at the Pentagon, and finished his Naval career as the Commanding Officer of the Nimitz class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (70). In every facet of his career Doyle was known for his exemplary leadership skills which he carried on into his post Navy life. He is loved by innumerable shipmates, sailors and classmates.

In 2001, Doyle became co-owner of the California Academy of Performing Arts in Moraga, established by his wife Joan in 1981. He became the CEO and business manager and is beloved by the hundreds of current students and families at CAPA. The thousands of dancers who trained at CAPA during Doyle's time there universally love and admire him. In his honor, CAPA will continue.

Doyle is survived by his beloved wife Joan, daughters Megan (John) Hurd, A.J. Robinson Brown and Wendy (Sven) Muendler, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His son, Dr. John Borchers III predeceased him in 2008. Doyle was a member of Saint Mary's Episcopal Church in Napa. He was very active in Naval Academy affairs and in the lives of his children and grandchildren, attending literally hundreds of sporting events and performances through the years. Many Browns Valley residents will remember seeing Doyle daily walking his beloved black and white labradoodle Nelson.

Doyle grew up in the small town of Clifton, Texas where he was captain of every high school sports team. His parents were Dorothea Haugen Borchers and Doyle John Borchers, both deceased. His father was shot down from a B-17 in World War II in Germany and was a prisoner of war. Doyle spent nearly the last year of his life editing the manuscript his father wrote about his time as a POW. The book was published in August 2025, is available on Amazon, and is titled "Interlude With Death,1944." It is a mesmerizing read.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, 2 PM at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church, 1917 Third St., Napa. A celebration of life reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Doyle's favorite organizations:

Habitat for Humanity

Doctors Without Borders

Feeding America