April 28, 1952 – November 8, 2026
With great sadness, the family of Albert “Al” Dekker announces his passing on November 8, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer and its after-effects.
Born in Zwolle, Netherlands, on April 28, 1952, Al emigrated to Canada with his family in 1953. He went on to build a life centred on hard work, family and service to his community.
Al is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Janet Dekker; his much-loved children, daughter Amanda and her husband Shawn Phillips, and son Ian Dekker; and his cherished grandchildren, Harper and Graydon, who were the greatest joys of his life. He is also survived by his sister Johanna Bolt; his brother, Clarence Dekker; his brother-in-law Dennis Allen; and his nieces and nephew Elizabeth, Mary Anne, Christie, Melissa and Ryan.
He was predeceased by his parents, Alberdina and Harm Dekker; his sister, Wolthera Allen; his brother-in-law, Harold Bolt; and his parents-in-law, Beth and Graydon Ritchie.
Al was a proud employee of the Town of Goderich and Goderich Hydro for more than 30 years and served his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Town of Goderich for more than 20 years. He took great pride in his work, his community and the many friendships he made along the way.
After being diagnosed with cancer in 2009, Al faced a long and difficult journey with remarkable strength and determination. He rarely complained about the health challenges he faced over the years. Some might have called him stubborn, but there was no question he was one tough man.
In his final years, Al treasured being at home and spending time with his family. Of all the roles he had in his life, his favourite was being Grandpa. He would do anything for Harper and Graydon and loved having them by his side, whether he was teaching them the value of hard work, getting their help with jobs around the house, or sharing his love of cooking and baking with them. He also never missed their Tuesday lunch dates hosted in his kitchen. He was incredibly proud of them, and the time they spent together meant everything to him.
After 48 years of marriage, Al leaves Janet with a lifetime of memories and a family they built together.
Known affectionately by many as “Big Al,” he was also one of the best slo-pitch players in the area, known for regularly hitting balls out of the park. He was a familiar face on the ball diamond for many years and made many lifelong friendships.
Al will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former co-workers, fellow firefighters and the community he called home. We will remember his strength and determination, his work ethic, his willingness to help others and, most of all, how much he loved his family.
He fought hard for a very long time. We will miss him more than words can say, but we are grateful for the time we had with him and for everything he taught us.
Our family extends our sincere thanks to Dr. Stan Spacek, Dr. M. Nicholson, Dr. K. Geukers and his visiting nurse, Shelley, for the care and compassion they provided to Al.
A private family service will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 11 Cambria Road North, Goderich on Saturday, December 5th at 12 PM. Family and friends are invited to a public celebration of life at the Goderich Legion, 56 Kingston Street, Goderich from 2 – 5 PM. Please join us at 3 PM as we share stories, memories and tributes, and say goodbye to Al.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Al’s memory may be made to the Goderich Legion or the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) Foundation.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Larry & Lynn Million
Janet, Amanda, Ian and family members:
May the cherished memories you shared bring you comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Al will be deeply missed by all, but the joy he brought and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Vicki Henry
Dear Janet and family, we are so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. He was a lovely man. Sincerely Ted, Vicki and Jordan Henry
Pat & Bob Desjardins
Janet, Amanda, Ian and Al’s extended families.
As I read Al’s Obituary, I remembered Al from the ball diamonds, hitting those strikes OVER THE FENCE. Sending condolences to all of you at this very sad time.
Pat & Bob
Ruth Ingham
Sincere sympathy to Janet and family. I have known Amanda and Shawn through my children. Keep all those wonderful memories you have and speak his name often.
Ruth Ingham
Susan Drennan
Janet, Amanda and Ian,
My condolences on the passing of your beloved husband and father. May your memories bring you all comfort.
Sue Drennan
Catherine Hunter
Sending out deepest condolences at this difficult time. Al fought a long hard battle.
Dave Saundercock
Janet and Family,
Sharon and I are so saddened for your loss and the the loss of a great human being like Al. He was a great friend and team mate for many years on the showpitch diamond. He will be missed!
Bill and Jo-Anne Wraith
Janet and Family, we are so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Bill enjoyed working with Al, he was a great guy! Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Liz Jenkin
Janet and family
My deepest condolences at the loss of your loved one. Hold each other close.
I realize words can not take away the pain your are feeling now but in time you will be able to remember and relive the wonderful times spent together.
Rod and Jean Jervis
Dear Janet, Amanda, Ian and family – we were so very sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Please know our thoughts are with all of you. Sincerely, Rod and Jean
Dianne Fox
So sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man. Thinking of you and your family.
Paul Corriveau
To Janet and the entire Dekker family please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of Al, he will be deeply missed by everyone, our thoughta are with you at this diffcult time.
Paul & Sue Corriveau
Pat steenstra
Sending sympathy to each of you. So very sorry for your loss. Hugs from Stu and Pat Steenstra
Brad & Sharon Petteplace
Sincere condolences to you Janet and your family. We did not know Al very well but the few times we met up his warm personality made us feel like we did.
Our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Brad & Sharon
Jim and Annette Ritchie
Janet, Amanda, Ian, Shawn, Harper and Graydon
Our condolences to you all.
Jim and Annette Ritchie
Joy Bowman
Dear Janet, Ian, Amanda, Shawn, Harper and Graydon. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Ruth Herman
Dear Janet, Ian, Amanda and family
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I have the best memories of Al during the many years of the men’s ball team . Al was truly one of the homerun kings. We had so much fun together after the games. He
will be missed. God bless you Al, RIP.
Michelle & David Smith
To Janet and family
Our deepest sympathy. Al was a great guy. He had a wonderful smile. Cherish all the memories. Hugs
LISA M O'BRIEN
Amanda, Shawn, Harper and Graydon – thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
Shirley Darbyson
Dear Janet and Family,
My deepest condolences to you and all your family during this difficult time.
Al always had a smile on his face and always so friendly.
Just a Great guy.
Sincerely,
Shirley Darbyson
Laura Frayne
Dear Janet and family I’m so sorry to hear this news. Al was such a great person and always made me laugh and smile when I talked to him. He will be apart of you always. ❤️
Ron Sowerby
Heather and I extend our sincerest condolences to you Janet,Amanda,Ian and all Families and friends. Al was a great guy…great slo pitch player and hard worker for many years. You fought a tough battle Al. May you rest in peace now.
Lynda Splan
Janet & Family
I am so sorry to hear about Al. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you all and sending love.
George and Brenda Vanderburgh
Our sincere condolences Janet, Amanda and Ian and family.
We will always remember Al with that big smile of his. You will have lots of wonderful memories to cherish.
Joanne Chambers
Lots of hugs and prayers being sent your way Dekker family. Janet and family he was a great family man. Always a pleasure to talk to as well.
Mark & Brenda McLean
Dear Janet & Family: Mark and I were so saddened to hear of Al’s passing. We have nothing but great memories of Al whenever we would meet him, he was always very personable. He definitely fought the good fight. Cherish your memories of him and he will always remain close in your hearts. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of a wonderful husband, father and grandpa.
With our deepest sympathy, Mark & Brenda McLean
Gayle and Barron Purser
Dear Janet, Amanda , Ian and family
We are so sad to hear of Als passing
Sooo many memories of good times together!
He will be missed by so many.
Sending much love to all.
Love Gayle and Barney
Phyllis Scott
Dear Janet and family.
My sincere condolences are with you all at this difficult time. Embrace the many wonderful memories you’ve all had.
Nancy White
My condolences to all of the Dekker family!!! Cherish your memories!!!
John McGrath
Janet and family. Saddened to hear of Al’s passing. I always enjoyed the time spent with Al on my visits.
John McGrath
Judy and Paul Kelly
Deepest Sympathy Janet and family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time.
Natalie and Peter Craig
Janet and Ian, I’ve had the opportunity to offer my condolences to Amanda and the family, but please know that I am thinking of you both as well. It was so clear how very much AL loved all of you. Thinking of you all and sending heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
John and Mickie Hamilton
Janet and Family
We are so very sorry to hear of Al’s passing . Sending our deepest condolences at this most difficult time.🙏
Becky McIvor
Sincere condolences to Al’s family . Janet, Amanda , Ian. Son in law Shawn and Grandchildren Harper and Graydon. Al will be missed by his many friends . Even in his toughest days of fighting Al never let anyone know he was suffering. He definitely was a very strong man . We will cherish the great memories of the Ringette days where we had lots of fun and laughter . Al supported Amanda by helping out with the whatever was needed in baseball too. May you RIP Al and we will cherish memories we made with you over the years . Becky and Dave McIvor
Darren Scholl
Growing up around the Dekker house was such a privilege for me. Being close with Ian and Amanda, truly makes me appreciate how great Al and Janet are as parents and role models. I will always treasure the times I spoke with Al around the ball diamonds and arenas, as he was present watching his Grandchildren play the games he enjoyed growing up. A lifetime of smiles and good memories had. We will miss you “Big Al”.
Denise Langlois
Sincere condolences to all the family. Cherish the wonderful memories you had with Al.
Joanne L. Whitney
Dear Janet & Family
Sending you my sincere condolences upon learning of your loss. May your memories make your days ahead a little brighter.