In memory of

Robert Morris Decker

Jul 15, 1937
Dec 30, 2021

Obituary

On December 30, 2021, Robert Morris Decker passed away due to complications during surgery.  Robert (Bob) was born on July 15, 1937, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Clyde Morris and Terese (Roberts) Decker.  His father died when he was just seven years old, so he grew up with his mother in Centerville, Utah and graduated in 1955 from Davis High School.  He married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn (Kathy) Barber, in 1959 in the Logan, Utah temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and they were married for 62 years.  They raised four children together.

Bob graduated with a Masters degree from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City in 1967 while working as the Recreation Director at the Utah State Training School in American Fork.  This was the beginning of many years of working with and for the physically and developmentally disabled. In 1970 he became Director of the Idaho Child Development Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho.  He also served in many capacities for the state Department of Health and Welfare in Idaho.  In 1974 he became administrator of the Idaho State School and Hospital in Nampa. In 1979 Bob moved his family to Salem, Oregon where he served as vice president of operations for Truscan Corporation which owned and operated skilled nursing facilities and intermediate-care facilities for the developmentally disabled throughout the western United States.  In 1980 he and co-worker, Don Bybee, formed Chartham Management.  The company eventually operated 41 long-term care facilities in seven western states.  In 1987 he formed his own company, Westcare Management, which also owns and operates health care facilities.  He retired at the age of 80 and the company is now in the care of two of his sons.  

During his career Bob served as a consultant to a variety of health care organizations and was often sought after as a speaker nationwide. He served as president of the Oregon Healthcare Association and on many boards for ICF/MR facilities for the American Health Care Association.  He did consulting and conducted numerous seminars throughout the United States and helped develop many programs to improve the care and quality of life for the developmentally disabled.

He enjoyed serving in many capacities in his church–particularly teaching the young people and adults in Sunday School.  Known for his selfless generosity, he derived great satisfaction from being able to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them in any way that he could. He also delighted in making others smile or laugh with his upbeat sense of humor. But the greatest joy of his life was his family.  He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren immensely and was proud of every one of them.  Loved and respected by so many, he will be greatly missed. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and their four children: Todd (Jeanette) Decker, Tamra (Rex) Christensen, Tony (Pam) Decker, and Bryan (Ricki) Decker. He had 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He also claimed as his own, Donna (Moses) Soria and her family and Todd (Gail) Kelly.

Private family funeral services will be held on January 15, 2022, but will be broadcast for all others.  You may find details and broadcast link here.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86899856005?pwd=RmVsQldIcG9WQ0g4eTRVL2p3T0Q1UT09

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ARC of Oregon, Oregon Special Olympics, or University of Utah department of Health

Service Information

Funeral Service - Private Family Only
Saturday January 15th, 2022 11:00 AM
All Non family members are invited 
to join remotely at this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86899856005?pwd=RmVsQldIcG9WQ0g4eTRVL2p3T0Q1UT09
Passcode: 355831 program for service is located in the photo gallery.

~Robert will be laid to rest at Belcrest Cemetery~

Gallery

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Becky Clawson says:

    When I think of my parents and Salem, memories of the Deckers aren’t far behind. I’m sure my mom would like to say that Bob was an incredible Quidnunc, a Ferd to my dad’s Fritz, (or was it the other way around), a dinner group groupie, an advisor, and dear dear friend. He will leave an empty space in this world and will be deeply missed. All our love goes out to your family, but especially from Evonne to Kathy.

  2. Lynne Hughs Jensen says:

    I so enjoyed knowing Bob and his sons, having worked at the Oregon Veterans' Home in The Dalles. Such a kind man who really cared about proving quality of life and care to our very deserving Veterans. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who are grieving the loss.

  3. Thea Fuhs says:

    I did not know Robert personally, and from the sounds of it, I missed out. However, his pure dedication, accomplishments and altruistic passion speaks volumes... A true, well-deserved legacy, to say the very least. Thank you to Robert & my deepest sympathies to all family. R.I.P.

  4. Ulloas says:

    Dear Decker family,

    Our deepest condolences on your loss. We always admired brother Decker.
    May our Heavenly Father comfort you now and always.
    We love you and pray for you during this difficult time.
    -Ulloas

  5. Merlyn de la Melena says:

    Dear Bob,
    Growing up as kids next door to each other brought a life-time friendship among our small community. Bob, you and Kathy were always our friends and will be into the next life. Thanks for being an important part of my young life in Centerville. And thanks for marrying Kathy, one of us Centerville girls who I love and to whom we all bonded through a life together.
    May your family be blessed and have peace as you say farewell to your husband and dad.
    Love,
    Merlyn Tingey, Roberts, de la Melena

  6. Gail Kelly says:

    He was a Blessing in our lives when things seemed very dark. His positive attitude and giving created a very unique bond for Todd and I . I never got the chance to meet him but Todd lived with them for a while . I will always cherish the times we talked and he was always there for us. We Love and Miss you Bob Love Gail & Todd Kelly

  7. Heather Knight says:

    We have been so blessed by the legacy of love and service that Bob and Kathy have established together. His example radiates through his family and will continue to inspire and bless those left behind. Our prayers and sympathy are with you at his passing.

  8. Pam Decker says:

    Dad,
    I could have not have asked for a better Father-in-Love. Your example will always be a blessing in my life and the lives of our family. I have loved and will greatly miss our conversations. The impact you have left will continue! I miss and love you!
    Pam 🙁

  9. Tyson Hinton says:

    He was a very kind and generous man to us while we were serving there

  10. Staff of Johnson Funeral Home says:

    Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home with Robert's arrangements.

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