Obituary - Henry B. DeCan

DEATH SUMMONS HENRY B. DE CAN

Engaged in Business Here From 1920 to 1930--Forced to Retire on Account of Ill Health

FRIENDS PAY LAST RESPECTS

Following a year and a half of poor health, Henry B. DeCan passed away at his home at two o'clock on the morning of the Fourth. He had been ill with pernicious anemia and during the past six weeks had been very ill with Bright's disease.

Henry Berzine DeCan was born on March 20, 1861 in Williamson, New York, and lived there during the early part of his life. Later he went with his parents to Michigan and the family home was made on a farm new Grand Rapids.

Mr. DeCan and Miss Lucy Osborne were married at her home in Syracuse, New York, on March 1, 1893, and for several years lived in Neosho Rapids, Kansas, where he was principal of schools. Later he attended Olivet College at Olivet, Michigan, graduating as a veterinarian. He followed this profession for several years and was later interested in the building and contracting business.

Mr. DeCan and his family moved to Spokane in 1917 and remained there three years. Mr. DeCan then came to St. Maries and opened a harness and auto top repair shop, following this business until poor health forced to retire.

Mr. DeCan became a member of the Methodist church early in life and was always a faithful and enthusiastic worker in the church and Sunday school. He had belonged to both the Odd Fellows and Eagles lodges, but was not a member at the time of his death. Mr. DeCan had always taken an active interest in community affairs in the places he had made his home.

He leaves to mourn his death his widow and their five children, Paul, Ernest, Ronald, Mrs. E. H. Delong and Mrs. Persis Johnson, and one grandchild, Rosemary Johnson. All are making St. Maries their home with the exception of Paul, who is in Seattle. Paul had been here a short time before for a visit with his father and was unable to return for the funeral.

Funeral services were held this (Thursday) afternoon at Mitchell's chapel with Rev. E. C. Newham of Spokane delivering a fitting tribute to a beautiful life. He was assisted in the services by Rev. S. H. Austin of the local Methodist church and Rev. C. E. Coatney of the Nazarene church. To the accompaniment of soft organ music, Rev. Austin read Mr. DeCan's favorite hymn, "All the Way My Savior Leads Me." The chapel was completely filled with his many friends. Interment was made in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Source: St. Maries Gazette-Record, Thursday, July 7, 1932 Submitted 2005 Mar 17 by Susan Gates Davis