Christopher Robert Decker was born in St. Anthony, N.L on November 17, 1941 to Alan and Leah (Simms) Decker.
He was raised in Roddickton, N.L, along with his brothers, Eli and Melvin, surrounded by numerous family and friends.
After finishing Grade 11 in Roddickton, Chris left home at 17 to complete his Grade 12 at Prince Of Whales College in St. John’s, N.L. After Grade 12 he went on to Memorial University to complete an Arts degree before heading to Pine Hill University in Nova Scotia. At Pine Hill he graduated with A Masters of Divinity.
He met Patricia Roberts in 1965 and married June 27, 1967. They went on to have two children, Lynn and John.
Chris wore many career hats over the years. United Church Minister to Boat Building. Owned Logging companies to clothing stores. However, his passion was politics. After being involved in Municipal politics for many years, he made the move to Provincial politics. In 1984 he was elected as a Liberal member to serve what was then, The Straits, White Bay North. After a lengthy career serving his great district and province as MHA, and Minister in several portfolios, he retired from the Public Sector in 1999 to lead a more private life.
After a very brief retirement he began working again as a consultant and Author in which he wrote and published three novels.
Of all the careers and titles he has held, his favorite was Grandfather. He lived to spent time with his four grandchildren, Alexandra, Bradley, Christopher and Eddie, and his favorite quote was; “If I knew grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first.”
Chris, along with his wife Pat spent their retirement years between Roddickton, Little Bay Islands and Florida, where he was always surrounded by family and friends, and enjoyed life to the fullest.
After battling Cancer for over three years he passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, August 8th, 2015. He was predeceased by his parents, Alan and Leah, his brother Eli, and his parents in law, Joe and Daisy Roberts.
The family will be holding a “Celebration of Life” Service at 2 pm, Wednesday, August 12th, 2015 at John Wesley United Church with a burial of his ashes at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate a donation made to John Wesley United Church in Roddickton, N.L