It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Harm Dekker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. After a courageous battle with cancer, Harm passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025 at 6:37pm, surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his parents, Bouwe and Aaltje Dekker; his sister, Gezina; his daughters, Barbara, and twins, Helga and Selma; and his grandson, Evan. Harm is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marianne (nee Bosch); his children, Veronica, Bo (Sonja), and Jason (Kristina); and his grandchildren, Tamara, Ethan, Iain, Josh, Brevan, Myles, Cassie, and Kaedon; siblings, Bertus, Ria (Emiel), and Jan (Diana); nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. The Life Of Harm Harm Dekker was born on August 20, 1945, in Steenwijkerwold, Overijssel, Holland, to Bouwe and Aaltje Dekker (nee Vanderheide). Due to his father's career in road construction, the family relocated frequently throughout Holland. After completing elementary school, Harm attended UTS (Technical School) to pursue his studies in house, road, and water construction. While residing in a mobile home in Enschede, Harm met Marianne Bosch through a church youth group. Their relationship commenced in September 1965. During this time, Harm completed his 16-month military service, and the couple became engaged on March 2, 1968, while he was still serving in the armed forces. After completing his army duty, Harm secured a position with Schagen Groep Beheer B.V. in Hasselt, Overijssel, working on road construction for a new subdivision. Upon the completion of the project, his employer arranged for a new house in Hasselt for Harm, and he and Marianne were married June 26, 1970. They lived there until their eventual immigration to Canada. During these years, Harm and Marianne welcomed two daughters, Veronica and Barbara, and mourned the loss of two infant daughters, Helga and Selma. For various personal reasons, Harm and Marianne made the difficult decision to move to Canada following a good friend and his family. The family landed in Smithers, BC on April 25, 1979, becoming Canadian Citizens on April 3, 1984. That first year in Canada, the family lived in a mobile home on Walcott Road until they were able to purchase the property on Gushwa Road. They lived in a cabin for almost a year and then moved into the house that Harm built with the help of many friends. There they had two sons, Bo-John and Jason. Harm worked for most of his career in Houston at Equity Silver Mines. After the closure of Equity, Harm continued his mining career at Endako Mines and finally retired in 2011 from Huckleberry Mines. Harm cherished his life in Northern BC, immersing himself in the region's natural beauty and outdoor pursuits. Above all, he found joy in skiing and snowboarding, frequently carving turns down the slopes of Hudson Bay Mountain or exploring the backcountry with friends who shared his passion. Harm's enthusiasm for the outdoors was matched by his love of hands-on hobbies. In his workshop, he spent countless hours repairing cars and small engines, as well as crafting wood with remarkable skill. Many of his expertly made woodworking pieces can still be found throughout the Bulkley Vally, serving as a lasting testament to his creativity and craftsmanship. Special Thanks The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all staff at the Houston Health Care Centre, with particular appreciation for the dedicated team at Houston Residential Care and the home care and support professionals, whose exceptional and compassionate service meant so much in Harm's final months. Special thanks are also extended to the nurses and providers in Urgent Care and to the Houston Hospice volunteers for their invaluable support. The family is especially grateful to Dr. Morkel and Dr. Steel for their ongoing care of Harm over the years, and to the staff at Bulkley Valley Hospital. Their thanks further include Dr. Knight, Dr. Vestvik, and the caring nurses at the Smithers Cancer Clinic, whose expertise and kindness were greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the BC Cancer Society or Houston Hospice in Harm's memory. Your support would be deeply appreciated.
