Thursday, March 25, 2021
Where to begin? I have so many positive memories of Dek, starting with my arrival in Port Allegany to start 4th grade. As recently as a few summers ago I was visiting Dad, and Dek called, so I got to chat with him and he was his old self -- sharp and cheerful.
Our first year in Port, Dek drove me to the Bradford airport, to pick up a colleague of Dad who was flying in from New Jersey. While we waited for the plane, Dek bought me chocolate milk and a donut. You always remember the small things, they are what life is built on.
Dek was always a cheeful presence, whether at home, teaching Sunday school, or helping with youth group. As an adult I came to appreciate his thoughtful intelligence, intellect, and curiosity. While teaching at Geneseo in the 80s, I came to Port for an event, and Dek and Ann graciously hosted me for the weekend. I had a great time sitting in the living room, enjoying coffee and conversation.
Mom and Dad loved to visit with Dek and Ann, and I tagged along for a long car trip to New England, to see a play put on by David (Horne). To pass the time we engaged in somewhat frivouous word games, and Dek was up for the challenge, entertaining the entire car with his replies making the time fly by.
Perhaps it is a cliche to use the phrase 'larger than life', but it applies in this case.
I am not exaggerating when I say that Dek was one of my favorite adults growing up in Port Allegany!
My condolences to the entire extended Kanally family.
Ian Horne,
Uppsala Sweden
