DEKKER: Christine Dekker, October 13, 1929 - October 14, 2011, Justina Wiebe was born October 13, 1929 in the McMahon district just south of Swift Current. She was the youngest of 12 children born to Peter and Helena Wiebe who tried farming in the area during the most difficult period in the young province's history - the dirty thirties. Being of German Mennonite descent, young Justina spoke only Plautdietsch or Low German. During her first years of school, this language barrier led teachers and classmates to call her "Tina" - which soon became "Christina", then simply "Christine". After much hardship on the farm the family moved to Saskatoon. Following graduation from City Park Collegiate, Christine worked as a laboratory assistant at Saskatoon City Hospital. She started her radio career in 1950 as a receptionist at CFQC radio. It was there she met a young and dashing radio broadcaster from North Battleford, Harry Dekker. After a whirlwind romance and marriage, the pair formed and co-hosted "The Double Dekker Breakfast Club", one of the first husband and wife radio shows in Canada and the most popular program in the province. In January of 1954, the Dekkers and their morning show moved to CJNB radio in North Battleford. The people of the Battlefords and area quickly warmed to the couple's engaging, humorous, and informative program. Being one of the first female radio personalities in the country, Chris paved the way for women to enter and succeed in the industry. Her pioneering efforts led to her induction as a member of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Half-Century Club recognizing 50 years of dedicated service. With the birth of the first of four sons in 1954, Chris began focusing her passions on raising a family. Moving out from behind the microphone, she continued in the accounting and traffic departments at the radio station until her retirement in 2000. Of her many community and social activities, Chris was a member of the Steering Committee for the establishment of the Western Development Museum, the City of North Battleford Diamond Jubilee Committee, and an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Together, Chris and Harry travelled around the world, leading tours and continuing their role as gracious hosts for several wonderful years. But there was nothing she loved more than being a significant part of the growth of her grandchildren who, in turn, treasured their time with their beloved Grandma. Her love and generosity was matched only by her strength and courage. She fought through a massive stroke in 2003, the passing of her husband four months later, and continued to live independently at home and enjoy her time with family. After being diagnosed with cancer, she fought to see her 82nd birthday, then passed quietly and gently at the Battlefords Union Hospital. Christine was predeceased by her parents Peter and Helena Wiebe, husband Harry, and 10 sisters and brothers. She leaves behind four loving sons and daughters-in-law David (Barbara), Harry (Donna), Dana (Dawn) and Christopher (Deenna); eight grandchildren: Stephanie, Donnica, Kimberley, Harrison, Nathan, Ryan, Addison, and Rachel; sister, Sarah and sister-in-law, Dora. Her family has asked that tributes be made to The Dekker Center for the Performing Arts, Box 1302, North Battleford, S9A 3L8 or the Palliative Care Unit through the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, Box 1358 - North Battleford, S9A 3L8. Funeral arangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service (446-4200) _____________________________________________________
