Obituary of Norman Deckert

DECKERT, Norman Peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Juravinski Hospital in his 75th year on Saturday, July 16, 2011. Born in rural Saskatchewan during the depression, Norman’s life was shaped by the Mennonite farming community of Guernsey, Saskatchewan. At 21 years of age he left the farm to attend University in Edmonton. He loved the stimulation and challenge of the academic setting and he loved the social interaction with other students. After teaching several years in Lamont, AB he moved to the University of Toronto to continue his studies. His library still reflects his love of philosophy and religion. Ontario became Norman’s permanent home. He taught first in Orangeville and then at Saltfleet High School in Stoney Creek. After retirement 11 years ago, Norman spent six months each year in Mexico. His passion became learning Spanish. He gave Spanish lessons without charge in return for private Spanish lessons. He travelled extensively in Mexico, eventually spending the last months of each trip in Cuernavaca. It was in Cuernavaca that Norman was hospitalized in the spring of 2011. Survived by brothers and sisters Lyle Deckert (Irene) of Etobicoke, Dorothy Friesen (Donald) of Ottawa, Carol Roth (David) of Kalispell Montana, Marilyn Roth (Dan) of Red Deer, Alberta and Rosemary Nixon of Calgary, Alberta and will be missed by 12 nieces and nephews and 6 grand nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. A Celebration of Norman’s Life will be held on Friday July 21, 2011 at 11 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior. As an expression of sympathy donations to the charity of choice would be appreciated by the family. Online book of condolences may be signed at www.donaldvbrown.ca