Gilbert Hector Dekocker , January 26, 1934 — July 09, 2018

OBITUARY Gilbert Hector Dekocker January 26, 1934 – July 9, 2018 Gilbert Hector Dekocker, a former meat business owner and butcher passed away peacefully in his home on July 9th, 2018 at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife, Jocelyn Dekocker; his daughters, Philly Dekocker and Susie Johansen; and his niece, Linda Cools. Gilbert was born in Dienze, Belgium on January 26th, 1934.

The second World War brought hardships to him, his siblings, and his parents. At a young age he had lost his home. A couple members of his family were forced to be sent to labor and concentration camps.

At 14 years old he lost his father. Because of the sorrows that the war brought to him, he decided to move away from Europe. After being in the Belgian army in 1953, a few years later he decided he wanted to see the world.

At the age of 23 he bought a ticket to Quebec, Canada. He soon migrated to the Northwest Territories where he lived for 2 years working as a butcher. After, he decided to move down to San Antonio, Texas.

It was in Texas where he noticed segregation in America for the first time. He did not stay in Texas very long. Soon after, he lived in Hollywood, California until a job opportunity in Paso Robles appeared.

Gilbert has lived on the Central Coast ever since and has been a long-time resident of Atascadero. He was skilled and knowledgeable about his job as a butcher and a meat business owner. People knew him to be a very hard worker.

He lived his life with physical hard work and early-life adversities. Though he also lived a life that was filled with love, travels, and happiness. Those who truly knew him, loved his presence because of the life advice and the stories he had to share.

He has traveled to many countries and has experienced different cultures of the world. True contentment was spending time with his family. A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on July 20th at the St. Williams Church in Atascadero followed by a reception at the dining hall next to the church.

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