Alfons Declerck, the oldest living man in Belgium, passed away in Ostend, West Flanders, on 25 May, two days before he would have turned 109.
Alfons Declerck was born in Bristol, England, on 27 May 1917. His parents had fled to England to escape the First World War. After the war ended, the family returned to Belgium. Alfons was the youngest of eight children.
During the Second World War, Alfons married Suzanne Pottier. The couple lived for a time in Assebroek, where they raised their two daughters, Anita and Patricia. Until 1954, Alfons was stationed in Germany, first in Siegen, North Rhine-Westphalia, and later in Westhoven, near Cologne. After returning to Belgium, he took up an administrative position with the army in Bruges. Toward the end of his career, he served as a non-commissioned officer at the military hospital in Ostend. His wife passed away in 2004 at the age of 83.
On 14 February 2025, following the passing of 107-year-old Jozef (Jos) Kets, he became the oldest living man in Belgium.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Alfons Declerck during this difficult time.
