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William Declercq Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Declercq
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Stephanie Milda Mardesich
April 21, 2021
April 22, 2021
To family and friends of "Mr. Declercq" - he was one of my favorite and most memorable teachers (Richard Henry Dana Jr. High School - his classroom was in upper bungalows)) who was so intelligent, thoughtful and HANDSOME! I recall his saying something to effect that "...if I can reach one student, in one term, then (I've) made a difference" (my interpretation would be he fulfilled purpose) that I've never forgotten for what it indicated about his dedication and "calling" to be a teacher (and my later Mother was by profession with life time USC credential). Knowing Mr. Declercq further validated important core values our family has utmost respect for, viz., education and culture.
I don't recall his dedication to "peace" though it's understandable because he represents the "reasonable man" of kindness and compassion.
Though I saw him many years ago I'm not sure he knew of my own accomplishments and his influence on this student who has never forgotten him and never will.
With respect and empathy,
Stephanie Mardesich
www.laharborfilmfest.com
(to know more of my main endeavor)
Max Schwartz
April 18, 2021
I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Declercq as a teacher. He was one of the few that made it to my favorite teacher list. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Bill Sheehan
April 13, 2021
In the early 1970s at San Pedro High, the were many outstanding teachers in the Social Studies Department. Bill Declercq was one of the best. In my final semester, I was a student in his groundbreaking Comparative Religion class. But I actually knew Mr. Declercq before taking a class with him. On one election night, my friends and I plastered his house with Sam Yorty posters (he was not a fan of Mayor Sam). After we rang his doorbell and retreated to the shadows, he proceeded to yell in jest before inviting us into his home. We also stopped by in the summer for lunch; Georgianne and Bill were great hosts. I'm sure he enriched the lives of many students over the years. RIP, Mr. Declercq.
Piper Hale
April 13, 2021
A gift to all of his students. Simply one of the best.
Jo Ann Correa
April 12, 2021
Was a memorable teacher:) I may not have always believed in his Cor-value base .. but his teachings helped develop the minds of the next generation to question why.... the why of —believe in the MAGIC. The magic that I have seen has welcomed life into this world , that which should not exist. The MAGIC that anything can be over come no matter what the obstacles.
AMAZING MAN may he RIP sweet man and remember “””DON’T BE A MINDLESS AUTOMATON”””
Anna Lee Fisher
April 12, 2021
I was so fortunate to have Mr. Declercq as an English teacher in 8th grade at Dana Junior High School. Although he taught English, it was obvious that his true love was history, politics, and critical thinking. He was the first teacher to help me start to overcome my fear of public speaking and also to think critically and not just accept what I was told. As mentioned, he invited students to his home and I even babysat for his young daughters. Although I eventually went into medicine and became an astronaut (and had many outstanding teachers in math and science at SPHS) , it was Mr. Declercq whom I credit with having the most influence on my life and career. He was so supportive writing letters of recommendation for UCLA, medical school, and the Astronaut Program. When I was awarded the Golden Key Award as an outstanding student from the public school system, I was allowed to nominate one teacher whom I felt was the most influential to receive that award as well. It was such an honor to be able to repay him for all the students he has helped. I enjoyed our visits over the years and he remained the exciting, vibrant person I remembered from Dana. I wish his family my heartfelt condolences . I will miss him greatly but I am sure he is creating havoc in heaven and still questioning all around him. I cannot imagine you just resting in peace Mr. Declercq. Your legacy will be all the lives you influenced so much as you did mine.. Thank you with all my heart....
Larry Bakerjian
April 12, 2021
I had Mr. Declercq at Dana and he was the first teacher who taught me to think for myself. He showed that it was right to question conventional wisdom and that forming your own ideas was critical to becoming a functioning adult. I have thought of him many times over the years as someone who helped shape who I am today.
My most sincere condolences to his family. I hope they take solace in knowing he affected so many of his students in a positive way. He made a difference for sure.
Robert Steindler
April 12, 2021
He nurtured my love of history. He inspired me and I have never forgotten him. he taught me to think for myself.
Carmela DiCola Bozulich
April 10, 2021
Oh my...memories of class at Dana with Mr D are some of my fondest. He challenged us to think, critically, something not many teachers did then or do now. May he Rest In Peace. SPHS ‘73
Ketan Kharod (SPHS '90)
April 10, 2021
My condolences to everyone who held Mr. DeClercq dear, especially his family. He was one of my favorite teachers at SPHS - constantly challenging me to be a better student of history through his love for teaching. No question his class helped plant the seeds that ultimately led me to law school many years later. May his memory be a blessing to all those who were touched by his life.
Mike Antich
April 10, 2021
Mr. Declercq, as I will always affectionately know him, was one of the most influential teachers from whom I ever had the privilege to learn. I always loved history but he raised it to new heights. I remember him lecturing the class that to understand history you must go to the source documents, which is so true in many aspects of life. He introduced me to Mankind Magazine, which solely focused on interesting historical but not well-known events and I remember him teaching several several classes during the semester based on articles in the magazine, which I’m sure went off his curriculum guidelines, but it made the lectures vivid and mesmerizing. I am talking about lectures that occurred almost 53 years ago, but I still remember them like it was yesterday. Growing up most of my friends were poor (although we didn’t know it at the time) and none of us knew anyone who had an in-ground swimming pool, but Mr. Declercq had one and he would invite us over to go swimming during the summer. These are fond life-long memories. May you Rest In Peace Mr. Declercq. Your influence on your students will last our entire lives, which is the legacy of a great teacher and a wonderful human being.
VINCENT TEORA
April 10, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. The Teora Family would like to say how sorry they are for the loss of this very fine man.
Rick Curl
April 10, 2021
God Speed Bill.
Miles “Rick” Curl
DLS 68’
Jennifer Kvam Bertone
April 10, 2021
I often wondered about one of my favorite teachers at SPHS! I am so sorry for your loss. We were in his class the morning of the Challenger explosion and he let us watch it on the tv in the room. In my senior year 1987, i was going through a tough situation at home and he was so understanding and helpful to me. I will never forget that about him. Rest in paradise Mr Declercq.
Aleece Jones DePuey
April 10, 2021
Mr. Declercq indeed was a radical change maker, and he changed my life for the better when I was his student at SPHS in my junior year. He wrote a recommendation for me to become an exchange student overseas to the Middle East for my senior year, and he gave me the confidence to stand up for the little guy whenever I saw something that wasn’t right.
He was the first person to recognize my far-left tendencies and encouraged me to use critical-thinking skills when fighting for what I believed was correct and just. I wholly believe my trajectory in life and my path of social, economic, and environmental justice was formed during his policial science class in my junior year, and I am forever indebted to him because of it.
Rest easy, Mr. Declercq. You can rest easy knowing you affected so many for the better.
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