Daily Courier (Prescott AZ)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Steven Decker, 56, of Black Canyon City died in his home in the 34000 block of Old Black Canyon Highway Monday.
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office and the Black Canyon Fire Department responded to a fire in a mobile home park at 6:45am. Firefighters found Decker inside his home after they put out the flames. The Arizona State Fire Marshall's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
*****************************************************
we moved to Whittier Heights with a hill behind our house that overlooked the valley - and each evening you could see the fireworks of Disneyland. It was here that I remember Steven's sense of adventure and wonder as we watched the lights of Disneyland in the distance, he'd comment, I'll create "Decker-land" someday!
Steve always had the sense of someday…
He had great dreams but not always the where-with-all to accomplish what he had in his mind to accomplish. He always had great dreams….
We left California in 1964 and moved to Arizona because (we were later told) the state of CA was going to drop off into the ocean after a catastrophic earthquake (or for some other unknown reason!).
Ready to graduate high school, in his Senior year, Steve would rather work than study for school. He got caught sleeping in Diana's closet when he was supposed to be at school because he worked at night - needless to say, he later had to complete his GED because he did not complete high school.
Work was something Steven did a lot of in his younger years. He was a busboy, then fry cook, cook and eventually worked his way up to managing his own restaurants. He was endeared by many of his employees as a good manager.
That was until back problems shorten that type of career where he could not stand on his feet for great lengths of time - turning his talents into the handyman trade with the skills our father so graciously left him - "Jack of all, master of none". He purchased large vans over the years and stocked them - always wanting to be prepared for any service call.
Steve did get married twice - once to someone who was not in the plan [Brenda]… that was in the 70s and it didn't work out like he'd wanted it to….and then there was Linda…
The second time however was different. Linda had kept and captured his heart and I believe held it until he died - at least a special place in his heart.
They were married in 1980 and although they had no children of their own, Linda's 2 girls were considered Steven's "girls" - Linda Sue and Amy called Steven "dad" - or daddy long legs - affectionately.
Steven has two nieces - Diana's daughter's Amy and Nikol. When Amy was born [June, 1982], was the first newborn baby that Steven had ever held in his arms. He got so rigid that he had to give her back because he said she was too "heavy" and he might drop her because his shoulder were locking up! All eight lbs. 2 oz. of her against his 6'4" 200 lb. frame. By the time Nikol came around he was "old hat" at this uncle thing!
As many marriages do however, this one - ended in divorce in 1993 - I don't believe he ever quite got over this divorce with Linda.
Steve never remarried or even ever considered marriage again. He dated off and on but did not have a real 'steady' girl over the years.
Steven has had a number of bad things happen but it was always to himself - but he was a good, kind-hearted person. He was the type of person that was honest in his own way - he'd never steal from family or from a friend, He'd give you the shirt off his back, his home as shelter if you needed it and - I don't know how many people have been "taken in " by his kindness - maybe some of you? I do know that there are a number of people who have lived with Steve because he offered a roof because he had one….many of you have been there and helped him as well…
While he may not have led the life that you or I would have chosen for our own or for him for that matter, he did what he wanted to do and he ended his life -- I am convinced, on a happy note. One thing that he had on his wish list was to own his own piece of property….
On Easter Sunday he wrote up a contract for a small piece of property in Spring Valley. In speaking to the Realtor, they countered the offer and accepted the counter - so he would today, be the proud owner of his own acre homestead with amenities.
But instead, Monday morning at 6:42 AM the Black Canyon Volunteer Fire Department got a call and the rest, we will say is history….
A tragic accidental fire. Smoke Inhalation as cause of death.
I believe everything in life happens for a reason and it is not up to us to identify the reasons why….we just need to remember that:
Life is Fragile - Handle with Prayer!
The ripples of life are amazing! Take a moment - Look around! This one life has touched and affected so many lives! I've had no idea…..
Around each and every corner there is someone who knew Steve…. And if you didn't………..you missed knowing a truly terrific person in his own right!
I am proud to call Steven my brother and thank each and every one of you for being here today - Thank You!
Written by Diana Decker Kenson
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Steven Decker, 56, of Black Canyon City died in his home in the 34000 block of Old Black Canyon Highway Monday.
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office and the Black Canyon Fire Department responded to a fire in a mobile home park at 6:45am. Firefighters found Decker inside his home after they put out the flames. The Arizona State Fire Marshall's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
*****************************************************
we moved to Whittier Heights with a hill behind our house that overlooked the valley - and each evening you could see the fireworks of Disneyland. It was here that I remember Steven's sense of adventure and wonder as we watched the lights of Disneyland in the distance, he'd comment, I'll create "Decker-land" someday!
Steve always had the sense of someday…
He had great dreams but not always the where-with-all to accomplish what he had in his mind to accomplish. He always had great dreams….
We left California in 1964 and moved to Arizona because (we were later told) the state of CA was going to drop off into the ocean after a catastrophic earthquake (or for some other unknown reason!).
Ready to graduate high school, in his Senior year, Steve would rather work than study for school. He got caught sleeping in Diana's closet when he was supposed to be at school because he worked at night - needless to say, he later had to complete his GED because he did not complete high school.
Work was something Steven did a lot of in his younger years. He was a busboy, then fry cook, cook and eventually worked his way up to managing his own restaurants. He was endeared by many of his employees as a good manager.
That was until back problems shorten that type of career where he could not stand on his feet for great lengths of time - turning his talents into the handyman trade with the skills our father so graciously left him - "Jack of all, master of none". He purchased large vans over the years and stocked them - always wanting to be prepared for any service call.
Steve did get married twice - once to someone who was not in the plan [Brenda]… that was in the 70s and it didn't work out like he'd wanted it to….and then there was Linda…
The second time however was different. Linda had kept and captured his heart and I believe held it until he died - at least a special place in his heart.
They were married in 1980 and although they had no children of their own, Linda's 2 girls were considered Steven's "girls" - Linda Sue and Amy called Steven "dad" - or daddy long legs - affectionately.
Steven has two nieces - Diana's daughter's Amy and Nikol. When Amy was born [June, 1982], was the first newborn baby that Steven had ever held in his arms. He got so rigid that he had to give her back because he said she was too "heavy" and he might drop her because his shoulder were locking up! All eight lbs. 2 oz. of her against his 6'4" 200 lb. frame. By the time Nikol came around he was "old hat" at this uncle thing!
As many marriages do however, this one - ended in divorce in 1993 - I don't believe he ever quite got over this divorce with Linda.
Steve never remarried or even ever considered marriage again. He dated off and on but did not have a real 'steady' girl over the years.
Steven has had a number of bad things happen but it was always to himself - but he was a good, kind-hearted person. He was the type of person that was honest in his own way - he'd never steal from family or from a friend, He'd give you the shirt off his back, his home as shelter if you needed it and - I don't know how many people have been "taken in " by his kindness - maybe some of you? I do know that there are a number of people who have lived with Steve because he offered a roof because he had one….many of you have been there and helped him as well…
While he may not have led the life that you or I would have chosen for our own or for him for that matter, he did what he wanted to do and he ended his life -- I am convinced, on a happy note. One thing that he had on his wish list was to own his own piece of property….
On Easter Sunday he wrote up a contract for a small piece of property in Spring Valley. In speaking to the Realtor, they countered the offer and accepted the counter - so he would today, be the proud owner of his own acre homestead with amenities.
But instead, Monday morning at 6:42 AM the Black Canyon Volunteer Fire Department got a call and the rest, we will say is history….
A tragic accidental fire. Smoke Inhalation as cause of death.
I believe everything in life happens for a reason and it is not up to us to identify the reasons why….we just need to remember that:
Life is Fragile - Handle with Prayer!
The ripples of life are amazing! Take a moment - Look around! This one life has touched and affected so many lives! I've had no idea…..
Around each and every corner there is someone who knew Steve…. And if you didn't………..you missed knowing a truly terrific person in his own right!
I am proud to call Steven my brother and thank each and every one of you for being here today - Thank You!
Written by Diana Decker Kenson
Daily Courier (Prescott AZ)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Steven Decker, 56, of Black Canyon City died in his home in the 34000 block of Old Black Canyon Highway Monday.
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office and the Black Canyon Fire Department responded to a fire in a mobile home park at 6:45am. Firefighters found Decker inside his home after they put out the flames. The Arizona State Fire Marshall's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
*****************************************************
we moved to Whittier Heights with a hill behind our house that overlooked the valley - and each evening you could see the fireworks of Disneyland. It was here that I remember Steven's sense of adventure and wonder as we watched the lights of Disneyland in the distance, he'd comment, I'll create "Decker-land" someday!
Steve always had the sense of someday…
He had great dreams but not always the where-with-all to accomplish what he had in his mind to accomplish. He always had great dreams….
We left California in 1964 and moved to Arizona because (we were later told) the state of CA was going to drop off into the ocean after a catastrophic earthquake (or for some other unknown reason!).
Ready to graduate high school, in his Senior year, Steve would rather work than study for school. He got caught sleeping in Diana's closet when he was supposed to be at school because he worked at night - needless to say, he later had to complete his GED because he did not complete high school.
Work was something Steven did a lot of in his younger years. He was a busboy, then fry cook, cook and eventually worked his way up to managing his own restaurants. He was endeared by many of his employees as a good manager.
That was until back problems shorten that type of career where he could not stand on his feet for great lengths of time - turning his talents into the handyman trade with the skills our father so graciously left him - "Jack of all, master of none". He purchased large vans over the years and stocked them - always wanting to be prepared for any service call.
Steve did get married twice - once to someone who was not in the plan [Brenda]… that was in the 70s and it didn't work out like he'd wanted it to….and then there was Linda…
The second time however was different. Linda had kept and captured his heart and I believe held it until he died - at least a special place in his heart.
They were married in 1980 and although they had no children of their own, Linda's 2 girls were considered Steven's "girls" - Linda Sue and Amy called Steven "dad" - or daddy long legs - affectionately.
Steven has two nieces - Diana's daughter's Amy and Nikol. When Amy was born [June, 1982], was the first newborn baby that Steven had ever held in his arms. He got so rigid that he had to give her back because he said she was too "heavy" and he might drop her because his shoulder were locking up! All eight lbs. 2 oz. of her against his 6'4" 200 lb. frame. By the time Nikol came around he was "old hat" at this uncle thing!
As many marriages do however, this one - ended in divorce in 1993 - I don't believe he ever quite got over this divorce with Linda.
Steve never remarried or even ever considered marriage again. He dated off and on but did not have a real 'steady' girl over the years.
Steven has had a number of bad things happen but it was always to himself - but he was a good, kind-hearted person. He was the type of person that was honest in his own way - he'd never steal from family or from a friend, He'd give you the shirt off his back, his home as shelter if you needed it and - I don't know how many people have been "taken in " by his kindness - maybe some of you? I do know that there are a number of people who have lived with Steve because he offered a roof because he had one….many of you have been there and helped him as well…
While he may not have led the life that you or I would have chosen for our own or for him for that matter, he did what he wanted to do and he ended his life -- I am convinced, on a happy note. One thing that he had on his wish list was to own his own piece of property….
On Easter Sunday he wrote up a contract for a small piece of property in Spring Valley. In speaking to the Realtor, they countered the offer and accepted the counter - so he would today, be the proud owner of his own acre homestead with amenities.
But instead, Monday morning at 6:42 AM the Black Canyon Volunteer Fire Department got a call and the rest, we will say is history….
A tragic accidental fire. Smoke Inhalation as cause of death.
I believe everything in life happens for a reason and it is not up to us to identify the reasons why….we just need to remember that:
Life is Fragile - Handle with Prayer!
The ripples of life are amazing! Take a moment - Look around! This one life has touched and affected so many lives! I've had no idea…..
Around each and every corner there is someone who knew Steve…. And if you didn't………..you missed knowing a truly terrific person in his own right!
I am proud to call Steven my brother and thank each and every one of you for being here today - Thank You!
Written by Diana Decker Kenson
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Steven Decker, 56, of Black Canyon City died in his home in the 34000 block of Old Black Canyon Highway Monday.
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office and the Black Canyon Fire Department responded to a fire in a mobile home park at 6:45am. Firefighters found Decker inside his home after they put out the flames. The Arizona State Fire Marshall's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
*****************************************************
we moved to Whittier Heights with a hill behind our house that overlooked the valley - and each evening you could see the fireworks of Disneyland. It was here that I remember Steven's sense of adventure and wonder as we watched the lights of Disneyland in the distance, he'd comment, I'll create "Decker-land" someday!
Steve always had the sense of someday…
He had great dreams but not always the where-with-all to accomplish what he had in his mind to accomplish. He always had great dreams….
We left California in 1964 and moved to Arizona because (we were later told) the state of CA was going to drop off into the ocean after a catastrophic earthquake (or for some other unknown reason!).
Ready to graduate high school, in his Senior year, Steve would rather work than study for school. He got caught sleeping in Diana's closet when he was supposed to be at school because he worked at night - needless to say, he later had to complete his GED because he did not complete high school.
Work was something Steven did a lot of in his younger years. He was a busboy, then fry cook, cook and eventually worked his way up to managing his own restaurants. He was endeared by many of his employees as a good manager.
That was until back problems shorten that type of career where he could not stand on his feet for great lengths of time - turning his talents into the handyman trade with the skills our father so graciously left him - "Jack of all, master of none". He purchased large vans over the years and stocked them - always wanting to be prepared for any service call.
Steve did get married twice - once to someone who was not in the plan [Brenda]… that was in the 70s and it didn't work out like he'd wanted it to….and then there was Linda…
The second time however was different. Linda had kept and captured his heart and I believe held it until he died - at least a special place in his heart.
They were married in 1980 and although they had no children of their own, Linda's 2 girls were considered Steven's "girls" - Linda Sue and Amy called Steven "dad" - or daddy long legs - affectionately.
Steven has two nieces - Diana's daughter's Amy and Nikol. When Amy was born [June, 1982], was the first newborn baby that Steven had ever held in his arms. He got so rigid that he had to give her back because he said she was too "heavy" and he might drop her because his shoulder were locking up! All eight lbs. 2 oz. of her against his 6'4" 200 lb. frame. By the time Nikol came around he was "old hat" at this uncle thing!
As many marriages do however, this one - ended in divorce in 1993 - I don't believe he ever quite got over this divorce with Linda.
Steve never remarried or even ever considered marriage again. He dated off and on but did not have a real 'steady' girl over the years.
Steven has had a number of bad things happen but it was always to himself - but he was a good, kind-hearted person. He was the type of person that was honest in his own way - he'd never steal from family or from a friend, He'd give you the shirt off his back, his home as shelter if you needed it and - I don't know how many people have been "taken in " by his kindness - maybe some of you? I do know that there are a number of people who have lived with Steve because he offered a roof because he had one….many of you have been there and helped him as well…
While he may not have led the life that you or I would have chosen for our own or for him for that matter, he did what he wanted to do and he ended his life -- I am convinced, on a happy note. One thing that he had on his wish list was to own his own piece of property….
On Easter Sunday he wrote up a contract for a small piece of property in Spring Valley. In speaking to the Realtor, they countered the offer and accepted the counter - so he would today, be the proud owner of his own acre homestead with amenities.
But instead, Monday morning at 6:42 AM the Black Canyon Volunteer Fire Department got a call and the rest, we will say is history….
A tragic accidental fire. Smoke Inhalation as cause of death.
I believe everything in life happens for a reason and it is not up to us to identify the reasons why….we just need to remember that:
Life is Fragile - Handle with Prayer!
The ripples of life are amazing! Take a moment - Look around! This one life has touched and affected so many lives! I've had no idea…..
Around each and every corner there is someone who knew Steve…. And if you didn't………..you missed knowing a truly terrific person in his own right!
I am proud to call Steven my brother and thank each and every one of you for being here today - Thank You!
Written by Diana Decker Kenson
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