In memory of
Roland Deckert
August 18, 1935 - July 28, 2025
August 18 1935- July 28 2025
Roly’s life was characterized by meticulous hard work, single-mindedness, and a belief that he could figure anything out and get it done. Always a confident and adventurous person, he made the bold move to leave his home in Germany and cross the ocean to Canada while still a teenager. He brought with him the glassblowing skill learned in Frauenwald, which led to his long-time career creating components for workplace radiation detectors. A relationship that shaped his life for over five decades was his truly steadfast love for Margaret Goetz (Bieber). We are so glad that they found one another in their adopted country.
Their life together centred around three main passions: family & friends, nature, and travel. They diligently saved their money over the years in order to allow them to explore the world, and soaked in their travels to South Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, Russia, and many other places. Their (mostly) sturdy RV took them around North America on road trips that included fun-filled visits to family in Nova Scotia. Their travels often involved fishing, skiing, and photography, all activities in which Roly developed considerable skill. The memories and stories surrounding these adventures (carefully recorded in many photo albums) helped sustain Roly after the loss of Margaret in 2020. Their love of wild things was evidenced by their five visits to Alaska to see grizzly bears up close.
Margaret and Roly’s cottage on Kapikog Lake in the woods of Muskoka was where their hearts lay. They built it together, largely by hand and with no road, with help from others, and made the drive to it from Toronto almost every weekend year-round during their working years. They shared this special place with family and friends over the years: many people hold special memories of its woods, garden, raccoons, foxes and bears, bird-feeders, hand-built stone barbeque, canoes & classic motorboat, and dock.
Roly leaves behind generations of people who love him and who were connected to him in various ways, including Gavin Bieber (Celina), Tania DesRoches (Kevin), and Lara Dempster and their children Roland, Kate, Claire, Evan and Seamus; Sue Robinson, Kari Robinson and her children Andreas, Rowan and Grace; Jay Robinson; Sunny Phillips, longtime friends Evelyn Karl, Jutta Gillmeister, and many others.
In his memory, donations can be made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Loved ones plan to gather to honour him sometime next spring or summer. Please reach out to ldempster48@gmail.com if you would like details when these are arranged.
Roly’s life was characterized by meticulous hard work, single-mindedness, and a belief that he could figure anything out and get it done. Always a confident and adventurous person, he made the bold move to leave his home in Germany and cross the ocean to Canada while still a teenager. He brought with him the glassblowing skill learned in Frauenwald, which led to his long-time career creating components for workplace radiation detectors. A relationship that shaped his life for over five decades was his truly steadfast love for Margaret Goetz (Bieber). We are so glad that they found one another in their adopted country.
Their life together centred around three main passions: family & friends, nature, and travel. They diligently saved their money over the years in order to allow them to explore the world, and soaked in their travels to South Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, Russia, and many other places. Their (mostly) sturdy RV took them around North America on road trips that included fun-filled visits to family in Nova Scotia. Their travels often involved fishing, skiing, and photography, all activities in which Roly developed considerable skill. The memories and stories surrounding these adventures (carefully recorded in many photo albums) helped sustain Roly after the loss of Margaret in 2020. Their love of wild things was evidenced by their five visits to Alaska to see grizzly bears up close.
Margaret and Roly’s cottage on Kapikog Lake in the woods of Muskoka was where their hearts lay. They built it together, largely by hand and with no road, with help from others, and made the drive to it from Toronto almost every weekend year-round during their working years. They shared this special place with family and friends over the years: many people hold special memories of its woods, garden, raccoons, foxes and bears, bird-feeders, hand-built stone barbeque, canoes & classic motorboat, and dock.
Roly leaves behind generations of people who love him and who were connected to him in various ways, including Gavin Bieber (Celina), Tania DesRoches (Kevin), and Lara Dempster and their children Roland, Kate, Claire, Evan and Seamus; Sue Robinson, Kari Robinson and her children Andreas, Rowan and Grace; Jay Robinson; Sunny Phillips, longtime friends Evelyn Karl, Jutta Gillmeister, and many others.
In his memory, donations can be made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Loved ones plan to gather to honour him sometime next spring or summer. Please reach out to ldempster48@gmail.com if you would like details when these are arranged.