Dirk Becker, BA, M.Ed. August 18, 1940 – February 26, 2022
It is with great sadness that we say “Auf Wiedersehen,” to our dear husband and father, Dirk Becker, who passed away peacefully on Saturday February 26th, 2022, at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (O.T.M.H.), at the age of 81. Dirk, was the beloved husband of Mary, nee Marshall, for nearly 58 years, having been married on June 27, 1964, and a devoted father to Robert (Leigh-Ann Becker), Michael (Kathryn Bechtel), and David (Andrea Rook). Also, cherished by grand-daughters, Christina and Erika Bechtel-Becker, and grandson, Kurt Becker. Dirk, is predeceased by his parents Herbert and Hildegard Becker, and his youngest brother Falk (Brenda), and survived by his brother Frank and sister-in-law Betty, of Oakville. Dirk is also lovingly remembered by his extended family in Vaake, Germany. As well, he was a much-loved brother-in-law, to Janet Lala and partner, Steve Gal of Port Dover, and Lori Marshall and husband Bob Sellner, of Chatham. Also fondly remembered by Nariman Lala, of Burlington. He will also be missed by Brenda Becker and Ron Cannata of Toronto. Dirk, was blessed to have eight wonderful nieces and nephews, and six great-nieces and nephews.
Herbert Becker, emigrated to Canada in 1953, from Hannover, Germany, and was joined by his wife, Hilde and sons Dirk and Falk, in 1954, after establishing a home-base in Oakville, Ontario. Brother Frank and Omi, Sophie Schüttrumpf, arrived in 1957, and the family set down roots in a large farmhouse on Lees Lane, that Herbert completely renovated to house his family. The three boys, Dirk, Frank and Falk, set about perfecting their English skills and attending new schools in the area.
Dirk, attended Oakville Trafalgar High School until Grade 11, then transferred to the newly constructed Thomas A. Blakelock High School (T.A.B.), in 1957, from which he graduated. Always a very athletic young man, Dirk excelled in high school football, a men’s soccer league and the discus, attending and placing in many track and field meets. As well, he was a mentor for his brothers, Frank and Falk, in sports and in life. Later, when his own sons were interested in sports, Dirk, coached his son’s soccer teams, and supported them from the bleachers when they played baseball, and basketball.
After graduating from T.A.B., Dirk was first employed by the Bank of Nova Scotia in Oakville, and progressed by the age of 21, to become the youngest Bank Accountant at the Sheppard and Rivalda Branch in Toronto. In 1959, he met the love of his life, Mary, at a Palermo Community Hall country dance, married in 1964, and welcomed the birth of three sons. At that time, Dirk moved on to employment at the Oakville Board of Education, and later became the Chief Accountant, at the amalgamated Halton Board of Education, where he was employed for 31 years. During his years at the Halton Board of Education, he became a Director and later President of the Ontario Association of School Business Officials, with over 700 members. This was a position that he was very honoured to serve, where he made lifelong friends. He retired at the age of 54, to spend time with his family and to pursue his many hobbies. Dirk and Mary also travelled extensively, visiting many countries in North America and abroad.
Dirk, contracted Parkinson’s Disease in 2004, and fought a brave battle for 18 years, with Mary caring for him at home. This was made possible for the last five years, with the wonderful support of many devoted Personal Support Workers from GTA Home Health Care, Paramed and Links to Care. Special thanks to Dirk’s overnight PSWs, Lisa Dixon and Thilani Kaluarachchi, who became family. In the past few months, his condition declined and he recently moved to Northridge L.T.C. for the comprehensive care that he needed. His last two days were spent at O.T.M.H. in Palliative Care, where he died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
Visitation for Dirk will take place Sunday, March 6, 2022, at Smith’s Funeral Home, 1167 Guelph Line (One Stoplight North of QEW) Burlington, Ontario from 3:00-6:00pm. A Funeral Service will be held in the chapel, at Smith’s Funeral Home, Guelph Line, on Monday March 7, 2022, at 10:00am, with a reception to follow after the service. A private family interment, will be held at Bayview Cemetery and Mausoleum at 740 Spring Gardens Road, Burlington, Ontario (Across from Royal Botanical Gardens). Donations to St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Burlington, where Dirk was an Elder for 31 years, or to the Parkinson’s Foundation, would be greatly appreciated by the Becker family.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dirk Becker Saturday February 26th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario