Cecil Elvin Decker

Cecil Elvin Decker CMA -92 of Halifax passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016, in the QE11 Hospital. Cecil was born in Jordan Ferry, Shelburne County, the oldest son of the late Harold and Hilda (Bower) Decker. His early career was as a partner in the family lumber business in Musquodoboit and later moved to Halifax where he worked and studied to achieve his designation as Certified Management Accountant of Canada. He worked for the province of Nova Scotia in the Department of Finance as Supervisor of Accounts Payable and retired as chief account for the Fisheries Loan Board in 1988. In his earlier years he was an active member of Brunswick United Church, where he was an elder and on financial committees until 1996. He was a fully documented Member and Charter Member of the United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada and a member of the Society of Management Accountants of Canada.

His particular passion was reserved for Masonry and his work with this organization began when he joined C.W. Saunders Lodge No. 125 of Elmsdale in 1957. In 1964, he was Worshipful Master and received the Meritorious Service Medal in 2000. He served in the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia as Grand Steward and District Deputy Grand Master in 1975. In 1960, he was exalted in Keith Chapter No. 4 Truro N.S. and Past High Priest in 1965. He was Past Grand High Priest, Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons with jurisdiction over P.E.I., N.S. & Nfld in 1985 and Most Puissant Grand Master, Supreme Grand Council Eastern Jurisdiction of Canada, Royal and Select Masters in 1982-83. He was dubbed a Knight of the York Cross of Honor in Eastern Canada priory No. 19 in 1976, and served as Treasurer of the Priory for a number of years and then as Prior in 1994. He was a Knight Grand Cross with 3 Quadrants.

A member of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, where he was Preeminent Governor of N.S. College #132 Truro N.S. and Grand Governor in 1997-2000 and received the honor of becoming Regent Emeritus. A Member of the Red Cross Constantine (Royal Edward Conclave #8) where he was Sovereign in 1982 and Most Illustrious Grand Sovereign of the Grand Imperial Conclave of Canada in 1994. A member of the Scottish Rite, he served as Commander-in-Chief of the N.S. Sovereign Consistory from 1981-83. In 1990 he was awarded the honorary 33rd degree. A member of the Philae Shrine Temple, he served as Potentate in 1983 and was a member of the Cabiri International Past Potentate Association. He was a founding member of the Dartmouth District Shrine Club, started in 1983. A founding member of the Order of the Secret Monitor, where he was Supreme Ruler in 1998-99 and Treasurer Emeritus for a number of years. He was a member of the Royal Order of Scotland.

A member of the Eastern Star, he joined Elmsdale Chapter No. 55 in 1958. He was Past Patron of the chapter several times and held different offices in the chapter. He was charter member of Evening Star Chapter #28. In 1992, he was elected Grand Treasurer and served this office until 2003, when he was given the honor of Grand Treasurer Emeritus. He served 50 plus years in the Shrine, Masons, and Eastern Star. Over the years he received many honorary, life and charter memberships in the various organizations. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling, travelling, reading historical items and music.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor (Vogler); brother, Henry (wife, Marcheta – deceased) and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Ernest and his wife, June; sister, Mildred and her husband, George, and first wife, Helen (Pace) Decker.

Special thanks to his care givers Kathy Chaisson , Darlene Gillam, and Margie Wall for the wonderful care they gave Cecil over the years, and Rev. Kevin Little and Rev. Dale Chisholm for their visits, support, and prayers during Cecil’s illness. You will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Masonic, Eastern Star, and funeral service will be held at Bethany United Church on Clinton Ave, on Sunday, March 13 at 2:30 pm, with Rev. Kevin Little officiating. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital or Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation Learning Centre of Canada or a charity of your own choice .A private burial will take place at a later date. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.