John was born on April 27, 1938, in Woodstock, Newfoundland to Frederick and Virtue (Pardy) Decker. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lilly May (Ricketts), his parents, and his brothers: Hazen, Selby, and Morris.

He leaves to mourn his children: Roger (Patsy) Decker, Brian (Jo-Ann) Decker, and Joy Mackenzie (Shayne). He was a proud grandfather to Bradley, Tyler, Mike, Jeff, Jonathan, and Jordan; a great-grandfather to: Isabella, Sawyer, Penelope, and James, and will be missed by his brothers, Mundon (Velma), and Graham (Mary), sisters, Jessie Daisy, and Florence Rice, and several nieces and nephews.

John and Lilly were married March 13, 1958, in Baie Verte, Newfoundland, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in love and dedication to family.

John began his working life in the lumber industry before the invention of the chainsaw, a testament to his strength and fearless work ethic. He later worked for 20 years at the Asbestos Mines in Baie Verte, Newfoundland. When that industry closed, John took on various jobs before moving to British Columbia in 1989. Out west, he continued his strong work ethic in carpentry, property management, and as a general handyman.

John deeply appreciated the beauty of the mountains and could often be seen out walking. He loved his family, valued his friends, and never missed an opportunity for a joke or a good-natured prank. To know John was to either hear one of his jokes – or be the subject of one. True to form, he was joking with the care staff and family on the morning of his passing.

As per John’s wishes, a cremation has taken place, and a small family gathering will be held at a later date.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Lilac Terrace, Sparwood, British Columbia, and Rocky Mountain Village, Fernie, British Columbia for their compassionate care. We entrusted you with our precious father, and you cared for him with kindness and dignity until his passing.

John will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

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