??Burton Thomas Decaire
September 6, 1940 - March 24th 2017
Burt Decaire, passed away at his home in Cranbrook on March 24th at the age 76, with his wife DeAnn by his side.
Burt will be deeply missed by his wife, his brother Larry, his many friends and by his radio family.
Burt was born and raised in Rossland. He began his legendary broadcast career in Trail at CJAT radio in the 60’s. His was a career that spanned 5 decades, and over that period of time he became a household name in the Kootenays. He moved to Cranbrook in late 1971 to assume the position of Sports Director at EK Radio, host the midday show, and handle other announcing duties. He will likely though, be most remembered for his prowess as a hockey broadcaster for the Western International Hockey League’s Cranbrook Royals and Kimberley Dynamiters. He was equally adept at both play by play and colour, and was the anchor of a radio team that broadcast hundreds of games on the EK Radio Network. Included in his broadcast legacy are 3 Allan Cup Final series in the Kootenays. The 73-74, 82-83 Cranbrook Royals, 77- 78 Kimberley Dynamiters and many a playoff game for the Kootenay International JR. League’s Cranbrook Colts.
He met his wife DeAnn on one of the many hockey sojourns to Spokane and they married in 1985.
Burt loved all sports, but hockey, boxing, and baseball/fastball were in his “favourite” category. He formed and managed the Media Maulers Fastball team which was a member of the Cranbrook Men’s Bush League for 16 years. He took great pride in fielding a competitive team each and every year and made countless numbers of friends not only in the broadcast business, but on the ball diamond as well. He retired from the media in September of 2002, but will be fondly remembered as truly one of the best announcers and greatest characters ever to grace the airwaves in the Kootenays.
Burt is pre-deceased by both of his parents. He is survived by wife DeAnn and brother Larry.
A funeral service for Burt will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 11:00 am at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook. Donations in honour of Burt may be made to the: East Kootenay S.P.C.A., PO Box 2, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 4H6.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com
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