Christian (Chris) Decker
April 15, 1944 to October 18, 2023
Obituary
DECKER, Christian (Chris) Gerard April 15, 1944 – October 18, 2023. Born in La Tuque, QC. Predeceased by his parents Earle and Annette Decker (née Duchesne), sister Marsha Richler, and wife Lynn Campbell. Chris died in the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s, NL surrounded by family. Chris leaves to mourn his two adoring children, Andrea O’Brien (Scot) and James Decker, as well as his two grandchildren, Aidan and Max O’Brien, who he loved dearly. Also leaving to mourn, his long-time partner Jenifer Soper and her children Emma Hann, Sarah Woolridge (Steve) and Phillip Hann (Mia). Chris leaves a large circle of family and friends including his siblings Don (Le Nga), Karla, and Louise (Gerry), and numerous and adored nieces and nephews, with special mention to Jonathan and Dvorah Richler. Chris was larger than life with a most joyous laugh, a twinkle in his eye, and a prize-winning handlebar moustache. Chris was well-known and had a strong and generous presence in his community. He was an entrepreneur, involved in opening Martha’s, Christian’s, and SideStreet, and ran a painting company which provided gainful employment for several nieces and nephews. In more recent years, Chris could be found in Brigus hiking, biking, and enjoying nature and the sea with his partner and their dog Molly and building memories with his children and grandsons. He was loved deeply, and his memory will be carried on. Chris passed after a short illness. The family is grateful to the attentive and kind staff at the Health Sciences Centre ICU. In memory of Chris, we invite you to donate to the Humane Society, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. As well, please share a memory of Chris to help carry his legacy forward. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 21st at 2 pm at Carnell’s Memorial Chapel in St. John’s.
Jenifer, James and Andrea
Just got the sad news about Chris. As you might recall, I was best man at Chis and Lynn’s wedding. We were great buddies in StJohns before we left to travel to British Columbia..
Good memories
Aidan Kiernan
We were so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. We will always remember him for his kindness and friendliness. And we will miss seeing him in the neighbourhood. Years ago, Chris had a pick up with a plow and would often clear our driveway and others on the street in the winter. Not because he was asked but because he was kind and just wanted to help his neighbours. Our condolences to Jenifer, James and Andrea.
Jenifer,
So saddened to hear of Chris’ passing. We send our deepest condolences to you and all his family.
We have known Chris for over forty years. It was a pleasure to meet him and enjoy his lovely gentle wit. Our condolences to Jenifer and the family on his unexpected passing.
John and Clare
sorry to hear about Chris
Our condolences to Jenifer, and to family and friends. May He RIP.
Jennifer. So sad for your loss. Seeing big Chris walking little Molly, or as the years went on was it vice-versa, with you always brought a smile to my face. The walks will not be the same without him so I hope you treasure those many wonderful moments he leaves with you. My condolences to you and his whole family . In Peace .
Rest in peace my Friend from long ago.
Sending condolences and hugs to you Jenifer and to the whole family. Louise Moyes & Mark Shrimpton
James, Andrea & Jenifer
Our condolences on Chris’s passing. Lots of great memories sprang to mind about Martha’s, Christians and Side Street. Known him a long time. Bruce & Oonagh
Jennifer &family,
We were so sorry to learn of Chris’ passing. We mainly knew him through his friendship with my sister Clare & her husband Pete Bailey. He had a great sense of humour and was a fun person to be around. I know you will miss him dearly. Please accept our condolences. Janet & Jim
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Chris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sincères condoléances de toute la famille Duchesne .
Nous gardons de beaux souvenirs de Chris ,charmant et gentil cousin !
Bon courage à vous tous ❤
Andrea & James, my deepest condolences. I have many fond memories of growing up in the Churchill Square area and your dad is a constant through those memories. Whether he was making us one of his delicious soups or watching on as we rode our bikes down the street, his kind-hearted presence was often felt and always there. A quiet, gentle, loving man. He will be missed.
Jenifer…so sorry to hear that Chris had passed away so suddenly. Cathy and I enjoyed our get togethers over the last few years at your home in Brigus and most recently at our mutual friends home. Chris had such an interesting life, always enjoyable to chat with him. He’ll be missed by many. My sincere condolences to you and to Chris’s family and many close friends….Les
Oh my. To his family and friends.: This is so sad to hear. We first met Chris and Jennifer in 2011. Then we realized that Chris was a long time friend to Kirk’s brother Scott. And Jennifer and Kirk had a high school connection from Corner Brook days. Over the years we had several dinners and the occasional visit to Brigus.
Chris is such a good friend to anyone who gets to know him. Indeed he is a tall, smart, gentle soul with amazing stories about people and places. He really impressed us with his adventures and kindness. At every occasion he made us feel better, he always made us laugh. Such a desperately needed Tonic for a world that needs kindness , courage, caring, and laughter. The world needs us to be more like Chris. Thanks for everything we shared.
Jennifer and Kirk Anderson
Jenifer , sincerest condolences to you, Chris’s family and your family on the sudden loss of Chris from all your lives.
May many cherished memories of Chris remain in your hearts forever.
Sharon and George Niklas
So sorry to hear this news… kind hearted Chris will be missed by all…
Waldo and Signe
Jenifer, James and Andrea, please accept our deepest condolences – Chris was definitely a gentle giant of a man with a heart of gold, and an eye that had a delightful twinkle. He was always ready with a laugh or story and we will all miss him dearly.. Cherish all your best memories, with hugs from Margaret and Chris.
Jennifer and family, we were very sorry to hear of Chris’s untimely passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Margo and Robert
Thinking of you all at this sad times, my heartfelt condolences
Sincerely
Elizabeth
Jennifer, Decker & Soper Families, Our heartfelt condolences on your. loss. Hugs
We are so glad to have known Chris. He was a wonderful person with a great sense of humour. Our deepest condolences to Jenifer and family at this sad time.
David and Denise Holland
My sympathies to Chris’s family and especially to Jenifer. A sad and difficult time, I’m sure. . Caroline Stone
My sincere condolences to Jenifer & to both families on their loss.
I was numbed this week when Jonathan & Nick passed on this sad news to me.
I knew Chris quite well from his first travels to Newfoundland and our companionship grew rapidly as we set out to face all those mercurial forces awaiting us in the ‘70s and ahead?
For the next decade or so, in the East End & beyond, we shared many coming of age experiences; come to think of it, we shared in most things back then, money, clothing, cars, housing, food & drink, travel, hardships & better days, a distinctive circle of diacritic friends, and certainly, a few thousand or more, laugh-filled nights.
I remember Chris well. Affable, but affirming, gentle, but steadfast, thoughtful, but responsive, I could go on like a Thesaurus. Chris had more good qualities banked in that rarity of a benevolent personality than many of us could ever hope for.
Chris, I, as I am sure all your friends & family, will, forever remember you fondly.
Always in friendship,
Roy Perry
Hazel and I were so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing, especially as we had only just reconnected after some 30 years. Heartfelt condolences to Jenifer and the extended family.. He was a fine man with a great sense of humour.
Very best wishes to all, Marty
Jenifer and family, my condolences and wishes for comfort now and later. We’ll so miss Chris at our gatherings. That humour and generosity and love for life, his wry comments, his expert cooking, and his stories about all of you and his pride in and love for all of you. Rest in peace, Chris.
Dear Andrea and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad. We hope you are doing ok and are sending heartfelt sympathy to all of you.
Warm regards,
Susan and Norm Tobin
Gentle, thoughtful, kind , tender hearted. Chris . He was cherished by his family and adored by his friends. Heartfelt condolences. So deeply saddened by his passing.
Andrea and James, I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Uncle Chris very well, mostly because of the massive distance between us, but the times I spent with him were lovely. My fondest memory is when he and Marsha, brought you, Andrea, to Nova Scotia to get you set up at university. We had a great time driving around finding furnishings for your dorm room and visiting that winery. What struck me the most was the depth of your dad’s love and dedication to you. The time and effort he put into making sure you were properly set up at school was something I hadn’t witnessed before. Both on that trip and on my earlier trip to NL, I was moved by his overwhelming level of commitment to you. He was a wonderful dad and I know he would have done anything for you. Our love and prayers are with you as you face this devastating loss. We love you guys.
Dear Andrea , James and Jenifer ,
I am so very sorry to hear of your sudden loss .
I have many great memories of Chris from years ago that I will share with you when I next we meet . In recent years, we’d only bump into each other at the supermarket but those chance meetings always managed to turn into a long , hilarious conversation .
I’ll miss those meetings , his warmth sincerity and humour .
With my deepest sympathy ,
Anne Belanger Collins
Andrea & family,
I am sorry for your loss. Condolences to you & all family members. You always spoke so fondly of your dad. I hope your sweet memories help you during this difficult time. Thinking of you.
Andrea and Family,
Myself, Leon and our girls send you our deepest condolences on the passing of your dad. I know that he was truly loved and although he will be so missed by everyone who knew him his memories will last a lifetime. If Beth and Earle could be here they would wrap their around you and tell you you are loved and that you will get though this. You have amazing lifelong friends like Shannon and the girls you have grown up with and no doubt relatives who love you and James dearly. They will all be there for you and the boys. We are all thinking of you Andrea. God bless you all in this difficult time.
Jenifer,
We were devastated to learn this news as we were not aware that Chris was even ill. That said, we are all entering that dangerous age. Life is precious and limited.
Please accept our sincere condolences on your tragic loss. We know Chris enjoyed his time with you in Brigus, and we enjoyed our brief times there with you both in your home,. We will miss his gregarious smile and mischievous grin in our community.
God speed, Chris!
Lorraine and John
Hi Jenifer and Family,
Carl and I send our deepest condolences to you at this very sad time. We loved Chris and so enjoyed his company. He will surely be missed.
Carl and Joan Marie
My condolences to Chris’s family and friends on his loss. He was a gentle, life-loving man whose aura brought warmth to any gathering he was part of.
I remember him fondly from university days.
Dear Andrea – I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I only got to meet him a few times – the first of which I think was when he so graciously drove me (after being voluntold by you) to a garage in Mount Pearl to get my car. I’m glad I got to experience his legendary curly hair, wit, and likely the one thing he was most proud of – you! Much love to you my friend.