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David Dekkers

David Dekkers, 81, passed away on June 7, 2021.

Born in Rumford, Maine, on June 30th, 1939, David spent his early childhood in Worcester, Massachusetts, and later childhood years in Candia, New Hampshire, with his parents, Cornelis Johannes Dekkers and Marion (Emerson) Dekkers. In 1956, David and his father built their camp in West Port, Maine, a second home filled with coastal family adventures and legendary lobster cookouts. A Navy veteran, David graduated from Waterville High School and Paul Smith’s College in 1960. He married the love of his life, Sue Ellen Savarie, and together they raised five children in Saranac Lake and three grandchildren.

After many years at Howard Johnson’s Restaurant, David and his family owned and operated the Berkeley Deli for a number of years, which sold its famous pies made by his mother-in-law, Myrabell Savarie. For over 20 years, David served as the director of food service at the Adirondack Medical Center, loving his job and making great food for the community until his retirement. Passionate about community service, David extended his culinary skills to cater weddings, parties and fundraising dinners in support of local causes. David loved the culinary arts, his family and the Adirondacks.

At his request, no funeral service will be held.

David is survived by his wife, Sue Ellen of Vermontville; five children: David John Dekkers, Karen Dekkers, Joel Dekkers, Brian Dekkers and Kathyrn Dekkers; three grandchildren: Sean Dekkers, Karrie Bordeau and Brigitte Bordeau; his sister Deborah Dekkers-Dukerschein; one niece; and one great-granddaughter expected in September.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. Family and friends can share their condolences at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Adirondack Medical Center Foundation.