Obituary of Jacob Dech

Peacefully, surrounded by loved ones and caregivers, Jacob Dech passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at his home in London, Ontario. He will be forever loved and cherished by his wife of 30 years, Doreen Lamotte Dech, R.N. (née MacVicar). Jacob was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara (née Russelo) and his sister, Elizabeth Petri. Jacob was the beloved father of David, Jamie (Ina) Dech, and Kevin (Cynthia) Lamotte. Very proud and beloved grandfather of Jeffrey, Joel (Toni), Josh, and Jonathan (Marisa) Dech and Henry (Sarina), Kate (Nic), Anne (Sam) and Charlotte Lamotte. Beloved great-grandfather of Emelia and Ian Dech. Jacob was born in the former Yugoslavia in 1923 and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1927. He served with the Canadian Forces during WWII. He had a long career as a manufacturing engineer with Chrysler as well as being a skilled trades instructor at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario. Jacob was a passionate and accomplished musician and played in many big bands in Southern Ontario: from Kingsville’s Lakeside Park in the 1930s with the ‘Skyliners’, to London’s Encore Band in 2009. He also volunteered for many years with Windsor’s Optimist Club and the Optimist Youth band in the 1970s. He was a charter member of the Rotary Club in Grand Bend, and, along with Doreen, Jacob was a member of Siloam United Church in London. Jacob loved his family and also his many friends at Amica in London. He lived by Dale Carnegie’s motto, “Don’t criticize, condemn or complain”, and he practised it every day. Jacob wished to be cremated and to have a private ceremony, which will take place at a later date, to celebrate his long and wonderful life. Jacob’s family wishes to thank the medical and support staff from the following organizations; their compassion and care have been a comfort to Jacob and his family. Special thanks to the Reverend Dr. Sheila Macgregor of Siloam United Church for your steadfast support and for being here when it mattered the most. Also, thanks to London’s South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN); Amica at London; and Westview Funeral Chapel. A special thank you to Dr. Altaf Mawji and his staff. A tree will be planted in Jacob’s honour at Siloam United Church. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Jacob are asked to consider Compassion Canada: releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name, the Lung Association or a charity of your choice.