John P. Dekker

John P. Dekker Passed away on June 30, 2006, at the age of 91. John was born in Haarlem, The Netherlands on March 17,1915. He is survived by Victoria, his wife of 65 years; his four sons, Kenneth, John, James and Lawrence; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John was the second oldest of 11 children who emigrated from the Netherlands in 1928. The family initially settled in Chico, CA, where John worked in the nearby almond orchards for his uncle. The family eventually moved to San Francisco, and it is there that John met the love of his life, Vicky. John and Vicky were happily married and devoted to one another for over 64 years. John and Vicky bought a home in the Sunset District on 39th Avenue and there raised four sons: Ken, John Jr., Jim and Larry. John was a popular member of Holy Name Parish for many years, coaching countless youth baseball teams (including two City Champs), along with ushering at the 9am Sunday Mass. John was also a mainstay at the yearly Parish Festival and Christmas tree lot. Along with his family, John's life centered around baseball, and he was extremely proud of his sons' accomplishments on the diamond, especially at Saint Ignatius High School. Always generous with his time and expertise, John could often be seen at Big Rec baseball diamond, throwing countless hours of batting practice to not only his sons, but anyone who wanted to join. A self-made, energetic man, John owned several small businesses, most notably a sporting goods store located at 20th and Irving, which he proudly named "Dekker & Sons' Sporting Goods." Upon retirement, John and Vicky moved to Healdsburg, CA, the Russian River resort town that over the years served as the Dekker summer vacation home. In Healdsburg, John continued being active as an usher at St. John's Church, a ticket taker at the local high school athletic contests, and as an entertainer at homes for the elderly, lifting spirits with his skill on the harmonica. Returning to their San Francisco roots and determined to remain together, John and Vicky most recently took up residence in Alma Via of San Francisco Home, where Victoria now lives. McAVOY O'HARA Co. 415-668-0077 or 888-668-0077