Peacefully with family by his side at the South Huron Hospital on Tuesday March 30, 2021 of Kippen. Loved husband of Heather (Burd) Decker for 50 years. Proud father of Julie Decker and Trudie MacDonald. Dear father-in-law of Les MacDonald. Beloved Poppa of Taylor and Lexie. Survived by his favourite sister-in-law Linda Meredith, and nephews David (José) and Paul (Julianne) and sister Susan McDonald. Predeceased by parents Karl and Ruth Decker and his beloved in-laws Stephen and Florence Burd, brother-in-law Wayne Meredith and brothers Wayne, Randy, Tim and sister Jennifer Caissie.
Brian was a man who enjoyed simple pleasures in life. He was most proud of the accomplishments of his martial arts students.
Keeping with Brian’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Haskett Funeral Home, Exeter (519-235-1220). Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Lung Association or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be forwarded through www.haskettfh.com.
Taylor Britton
i am just hearing about this now.
this man was my sensei in the 90s. my mom always thought he treated me unfairly compared to some of the other students, being much harder on me, holding me to a higher standard. but I always felt he could just see in me that I really cared and really respected him and his craft. that was over 20 years ago and I still think about him all the time, still benefit from all he taught me. he is easily one of the most positively influential men in my life. a childhood hero, showing up to class on a motorcycle with a sword, like some mythological god, a road warrior version of miyamoto musashi. my son is now 3 years old and I look forward to entering him into karate due to these important childhood experiences. I think a lot of boys, especially in the world today, need these foundations to deal with the millions of years of evolution that is a little misfit to the modern world. warrior instincts. sensei taught me to always be ready to defend myself and to be brave but to try my hardest to never get into a fight. that violence and danger are serious and to be avoided at all costs. if i ever have a daughter Ill get her trained too, because the world can be a scary place sometimes, for girls especially. i offer my deepest condolences to his family. a couple times my class in the 90s was invited to cook outs and his family seemed so warm and loving and cool. I remember being so jealous of his man-cave of a garage and new that I wanted one just like it (mine now is a bit smaller but nice). I am sure his family knows how many lives he touched. practically my whole family took lessons. I still teach people how to punch with a straight wrist, every girl I know I show how to escape from being grabbed by an attacker etc. his legacy will be eternal.
Lynn Creech
On behalf of the Adamthwaite cousins we send our sincere sympathy
Colleen Faulds Walden & Peter Walden
Heather and family – we are so very sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Our sincere condolences for your loss. Colleen & Peter
Dr. Robert Glaskin-Clay
Heather & Family,
Truly sorry to read of the passing of Brian. He was a great guy, very true to himself. Crusty on the outside, but soft as a marshmallow on the inside. My life was made better by knowing him. I am sure that his legacy will live on especially through his martial arts students. They could not have had a more worthwhile teacher about being kind and decent to those around them, while being completely honest with you. Brian was truly “one of a kind”, very unique and special & it was an honour to know him.
Mark Heimrich
Heather, Julie, Trudie & Families;
My sincere condolences in your loss of Brian. I have many fond memories of our family visits in years past. It was always fun to have Brian around especially when he’d plow the snow at our store laneways. As a young boy it was pretty exciting when Brian let me hop in the GMC “Jimmy” with him to push snow! My thoughts are with you all. R.I.P. Brian.
Mark Heimrich
Shannon Roche
Heather, Julie and Trudie,
So sorry for the loss of your dear husband and father.. Always remember him smiling and that goes way back to when the girls were so little… Heather my heart goes out to you..Big Hugs
Shannon (Smale) Roche
Jeff Balsdon
Heather, Julie and Trudie
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I have some very fond memories that I will cherish in the time that we trained the martial arts together. In our hearts and prayers. Oss!
Jeff Balsdon
Donald & Margaret Carey
Heather, Julie & Trudie
I would like to offer my condolences on the passing of Brian. I have some very fond memories of our time together training in the martial arts. Marg & I are keeping Brian & you in our thoughts and prayers.
Don & Marg Carey
Jennison
Sending our deepest and heartfelt condolences to your family and friends. So sorry for your loss we are here for you if you need anything . Sending hugs.
Dwight and Sharon Jennison
Elaine and Don Beauchamp
Dear Heather and Family Our Deepest Sympathy of the sad news of Brian’s passing God Bless you through this difficult time
Carmen Jenkin
Our sincere condolences to your family. We’ve never forgotten our teachings with Sensei Brian (and Sensei Julie), having the tough exterior but the warm and caring side that always came through. Rest In Peace Sensei
Tyler Goudie
My sincerest condolences Heather Trudy and Julie I have nothing but good memories of Brian starting as a pre teen riding in the back of The Decka Bus my first time to Sarnia the farm in Zurich.May he rest in peace a true gem of a man
Allan and Patty Case
Our sincere condolences. Cherish the many memories.
Sharon Allen
Trudie, Les, Taylor and Dekker family. Sincere condolences in the loss of your father, father-in-law and grandfather.. I send hugs to comfort you . Find strength in each other. Cherish the memories and speak of them often. He is with you always. Love You. Aunt Sharon
Steve Gould
My condolences to the family and friends of Brian. I reffed hockey for years with Brian and always enjoyed our outings. There were many chuckles and Brian always seemed upbeat when we worked together over the years. He always brought his thermos with him and a great attitude. I’m sorry to hear of his passing. Steve Gould
Kathy & Greg O’Reilly
Heather & family: Sincere condolences on your loss of Brian. We both worked with him recently, & years ago he bused our kids to school. He will be surely missed. Treasure your many happy memories. Thinking of you!
Greg & Kathy
Andrea Schaefer
Dear Heather and family,
Our sincere sympathy at this time. Thinking of you and please never hesitate to reach out. We are still here for you. Sending virtual hugs to you all. Andrea & Michael Schaefer
Darren and Denise Boyle
Sending our heartfelt condolences. Thinking of the family at this difficult time.
Tim Sharon Mackenzie Taeler Goudie
From our Family to your Family we are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. Our hearts go out to you during this trying time our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember the grey Chevy when Brian would come and clear our driveway and all the good he did.
Donna Masse
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Sending love and hugs. Love Aunt Donna and Uncle Jim
Karen Brady
Sending our deepest condolences to you Heather and family at this very sad time. Love and hugs, Tim and Karen
Murray, Kim MacDonald and Family
Trudie . Les. Taylor , Heather, Julie and Lexi Our sincere condolences on the loss of your father, husband and grandfather cherish the memories sending hugs to all
David Taylor
Heather and family,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
David and Rose
Paula LaPorte
Dear Heather and girls,
My sincere condolences to you ….thinking of you during this time.
Hugs
Paula
Linda Charrette
Trudie, …so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Remembering when your Dad would drop you off and pick you up at the restaurant….take care..Linda (Reid) Charrette.
Ken Oesch
Rest In Peace Brian. My condolences to your family. The Decker family was always good to me as a kid .
Jim Oesch
Heather and girls
Very sorry to hear of Brian passing, he was a great guy . I had the pleasure to work for him years ago ,a great builder .
Wendy Gregoire
My thoughts and prayers to all. Safe in the arm of Jesus.
Marlene Ingram
Heather ,Julie ,Trudie and families ,so very sorry for your loss ,thinking of you all .
Karen Brintnell
Trudie, Julie, Les, Taylor, Lexie and Family.
So sorry to hear of your loss,
Deepest sympathy, sending hugs
Karen, Bill, Zach and Caitlin Brintnell xo
Deyan Zgavc
My deepest and most heart felt sympathies to you and your family right now. Brian (Sensei) was an incredible pillar in my teens and I am a better person for knowing him during those times.
Joe and Marilyn Kenda
Heather and Family
So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. 💕
Phil & Linda Regier
Heather & family:
Our sincere condolences to all of you at this sad time.
May all the good times you had together help to heal your hearts!
Chris Merrigan
Julie and Lexie,
Deepest condolences to you and your family.
Thinking of you and sending hugs your way.
Phil & Laurie Erb
Heather, Julie, Trudy and family. We are sorry to hear the sad news of Brian’s passing. We think of him every time we watch our wedding video which he recorded for us. Cherish the memories.
Wayne & Bonnie Keller
Heather, Trudie, Julie…Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this sad time. Brian will be missed. Hugs Wayne & Bonnie Keller
Blaine Stephenson
Dear Heather and family members, So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time .
Blaine & Leisa
Tom Dickins
Deepest sympathy Heather and Family, Lots of great memories when we worked together at the Hensall Arena in the early 80″s
He will be missed and never forgotten.
Heather, Allan & Aden Cunningham
Trudie, Les and family. Sorry to hear about the passing of your father, father-in-law and grandfather. Please know we are thinking of you at this time
Dave Gascho
Heather,
So sorry to hear this sad news. Brian taught me and many others so much. He was a great mentor and a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. My condolences to you and your family.
Greg and Carrie Parsons
Trudie, Les and Taylor
Our sincere condolences on your great loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you journey through the difficult days ahead.
Greg and Carrie
Jane Penninga
Trudie, Les and Taylor, My sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father/grandfather.
Carole Lambert
Heather and family
Sending you Love and prayers to help you through this difficult time.
My heart is aching for you
Love Carole
Katherine Ens
Deepest sympathy Heather, Trudie and Julie. Brian will be missed by all who knew him. He was a kind-hearted teddy bear and a true friend.
Bobbi Vandeworp
Heather, Trudie, Les, Taylor, Julie & Lexie,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Please know we are thinking of you all at this difficult time
Love Bill & Bobbi
Cheryle (Barnes) Walter
So sorry to hear this very sad news. Feel the big hug coming to you from Montana.
Margaret Brintnell & Brad
Dear Heather, Trudie, Les, Taylor & All the family
Oh My Gosh Trudie couldn’t believe what I was reading. I am so sorry to see this sad news. Both Brad & I extend our sympathy to all of you at this very difficult time. All of you are in our prayers . Share all your great memories now & in days to come. May God give you all extra strength & Bless Everyone of You.
Thinking about You – Margaret & Brad
Chris Taylor
Heather, Julie and Trudie and family… my thoughts and prayers are with you my darling cousins during this difficult time. Hold each other tight and cherish your memories.
Sending virtual hugs.
Love from Chris Taylor
Cathie Alexander
I am so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a great karate sensei to me and my daughter and son years ago. He was always patient and very encouraging. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.
Marjie & Tom Westerveld
Heather, Julie, Trudie, families, So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing, thinking of all of you.
Carol Gascho
Our deepest sympathy Heather & Family. May your good memories sustain you. Glenn & Carol Gascho
Joan McCallum
Heather and Family: So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Cherish your memories. ((((Hugs)))))
Pauline Johnson
Our deepest condolences to the families ,Brian will be sadly missed by many friends, students, long time hockey players as for he coached a few guys in the days. R.I.P. Brian
Glen and Donna Greb
So sorry for your loss. Hugs!
Linda Millar
Dear Heather and family;
Sending you my sympathies on the passing of Brian. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers .
Brian’s little grin and wit will remain in my memories. It was an honour to care for him. Cherish your memories too.
Sincerely
Linda M
Cheryl
Trudie, Les and the Decker family
Sorry for your loss, hold all the memories close, thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time.
Cheryl and Ernie Warden
Rob Murphy
Hats of To The Cowboy! Brian started driving for our family in September 1993. He enjoyed karate and the students he transported. Known for his famous grin and loud voice, will be missed by all. Our thoughts with the entire family.
Rob Murphy
Dave Richardson
Heather and family my sincere condolences for your loss . Brian was truly an awesome man he was a fantastic driver who loved driving bus and treated all the students on his bus like one of his own and always came up with a nickname for the each student Brian you will be missed by all
Jim&Lori Dietrich(Gould)
We are so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Sending our sincere condolences to all.
Joan Finkbeiner
Trudie Les and Taylor: my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father and grandfather.
Joan Finkbeiner
Angela Vandeworp
Trudie Leslie and Decker family please except my condolences on the loss of your father.
Leroy&Cheryl Edwards
So sorry guys May the many memories you enjoyed bring you comfort!
Jim, Linda Ferguson and family
Heather, Julie, Trudie and family:
We have great memories of time spent with Brian.
From the glory days of “reffing” hockey to our random chats in passing, we will be ever grateful to have enjoyed Brian’s company.
Our thoughts and hearts are with you at this time.
Sue Riley
Julie and family…..thinking of you during this difficult time.
Marna De Jong
Heather,
Our thoughts are with you and your family !
Love,
Marna and Ed
Bruce Taylor
Heather our hearts are with you and your Family ❤️
Love Sue and Bruce
Elaine Vandeworp
Trudie and all your family. We would like to express our sympathy to you and your family. Treasure the many happy memories you have. Bill and Elaine.
Kevin & Janet McKinnon
Heather &Family
I was so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Cherish all your wonderful memories of your many years together. Keeping you & your family in our thoughts & prayers.
Linda Meredith
Heather, Julie & Lexie, Trudie, Leslie & Taylor
It is with a sad heart that I send you all my love, hugs and deepest sympathy.
I will always remember Brian for his sideways glance I so often got.
With Love from Brian’s favourite sister-in-law.
Anne kling furry
Thoughts and prayers are with you cowboy and I worked together for many years he will be missed.
RIP cowboy we will always remember you.
Anne and Lyle
Dave & Anne Cottel
Trudie, Les and Taylor:
So sorry to read of your father’s passing Trudie, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Treasure all the memories you have of a dear father, father in-law and grandpa and hold them close to your heart in the days ahead. Sending hugs to you.
Frank, Mary Boyle
Trudy, Les, Taylor
Our sincere condolences, in the loss of a father, and grandfather
Dianne Waun
Dear Heather, Julie, Trudie and Families,
I am so sad to read of Brian’s death.
I have known him since our teenage years and
always enjoyed his sense of humour and joy for life.
Sending virtual hugs to Brian’s beloved family during these sad times.
Dianne
John & Carol Coleman
Dearest Heather, Julie, Trudie & families: As mentioned, Brian will be missed (by many) and we are thinking of you at this most sorrowful of times. Hopefully you can find a sense of peace in our heartfelt condolences. Cyber hugs to each of you and may Brian rest in eternal peace.
John, Carol & family.
Jason Bourne
Heather, Julie, Trudie and Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. Boy am I going to miss him; he made my day! I LOVED his laugh, so much so I used every joke in my repertoire to hear it! My sincerest condolences to family. We lost a great guy.
Elaine and Wayne Corbett
Our deepest sympathies to you Heather and family. Cherish all the fond memories you have to help you through this difficult time.
Anne & Brad Mousseau
Heather, Julie, Trudy & Les & families, sending heartfelt condolences in Brian’s passing.
So sorry to read this sad news.
His smile & cowboy hat will remain in my fond memories of Brian, way back to CIBC days!
Hugs.
Helen Hodgins
Sincere condolences. Keep the good times in your hearts.
Ellen murphy
Heather and family. Sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. Worked with Brian at Murphys seaforth for many years. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Patty Groot
Heather, Julie & Family;
Our sincere condolences to you all! You are in our thoughts throughout these challenging days.
Sincerely
Joey & Patty Groot
Jack and Norma McGregor
Heather & family. We are sorry to hear about the passing of Brian. Cherish all the memories.
Deb venner
Virtual hug
Della Carroll Smith
Heather, Trudie, Les and Taylor, Julie and family. My sincere condolences for your loss. Brian was a huge part of the Murphy Seaforth team for 27+years . He drove miles and miles safely and bused a lot of students to and from school he had a smile and a nick name for each. He will always be remember with a smile and as our “cowboy” bus driver, friend and co-worker.
Evelyn Steckle Vincent
Heather and family
I am so sorry to read of Brian’s passing. May the good memories help carry you through this difficult time. His memory will live on
Joyce and Andrew Hummel
Our heartfelt sympathy to you Heather, Julie, Trudie and families. We will miss Brian in our neighbourhood. He was an awesome bus driver and martial arts teacher to many. Thinking of you all in the coming days.
Karen Dickins
Heather and family, I am shocked to see this. My deepest condolences to you, cherish your memories. Virtual hugs to you Heather.
Dalton Ford
Heather, Trudie, Les and Taylor, Julie and family. My sincere condolences for your loss. Thinking of you at this time, Dalt