David Dekker

DAVID DEKKER David John Ellis Dekker, 82, of Las Vegas, passed away Sept. 16, 2010. He was born May 15, 1928, in Denver, and was a 25-year resident of Nevada. David was gifted in both performing and visual arts and after receiving his B.A. in musical theatre from the University of Colorado, Boulder and his M.A. from Chicago Musical College. David was drafted and became a cartoonist for the Stars and Stripes. He then spent 25 years as a leading tenor with the German Opera before becoming artistic director of the Frankfurt Playhouse and during this time, his children, Erik and Diana, were born. He returned stateside in 1985 and moved to Las Vegas with his wife, Hilary, where their son, Thomas, was born in 1987. David performed in and designed multiple community theatre productions and presented a seniors show, Mem'ries, to community centers and retirement homes. But, he earned his greatest reputation and joy from his one-man educational shows for elementary schools, performing to more than 100,000 local children. "We remember his song, not the echo." David was preceded in death by his father, Jozef Henry Dekker; and mother, Ruth Bernice (nee Richardson). He is survived by his wife, Hilary; three children, Erik, Diana and Thomas; grandchildren, Megan and Dustin; brother, Joe "Bud"; uncle, John "Sunny"; aunt, Jackie; niece, Rhiannon; nephew, Joe III; father-in-law, Alun; mother-in-law, Margaret; brother-in-law, Nigel; sisters-in-law, Glynis and Helen; many friends; and "Noggin the Nog" and "Captain Pugwash." A private celebration of life will take place in October. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.