|
MICHAEL A. SYKES
December 27. 1949 - March 26, 2013
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=107454264
Michael A. Sykes, age 63, passed unexpectedly in his home on Tuesday. Born on December 27, 1949 in Canyon, Texas, Mike is fondly remembered as “Grandma” Sykes. His seasoned career as facilities and project manager was at the Bank of America; he persevered through many bank changes over the years. Michael was an avid reader, antique and art collector. He loved good food, music, movies, jewelry, needlepoint, and especially his dogs. He was a founding member of the Positive Voices Choir in Dallas. Michael was an active member, sang in the choir, and faithfully attended services at the Cathedral of Hope. This included time and resources in which he was generous. He supported the annuity fund, building of the interfaith peace chapel, and ministries. His enthusiasm and words were usually directed in the praise of others' work.
Michael is survived by his brother Jim Sykes, Pat Allen, his sister, and several nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. He was predeceased by his parents H.A. and Dorothy Sykes, Canyon, Texas. Celebration of life with friends and family is at the Cathedral of Hope, 5910 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas, 75235 on Sunday, March 31, at 6:00pm. Fellowship afterwards. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to an AIDS charity of your choice.
MUSIC BACKGROUND:
In loving memory of our classmate Michael Sykes. From Michael Syke’s choir, “Positive Voices”, choral group from Cathedral of Hope, Dallas, Texas. Since he was one of the founding members of the choral group in the 1990s, his voice can be heard on the selections of this playlist. Mike was active in his church and choir for many years before his passing in 2013. Songs for this playlist honoring Michael include: (1) “Until It's Over”; (2) “Rest”; (3) “The Face of Love”; (4) “When You Care”; (5) “I Know Love”; (6) “Stand”; and (7) “So Great a Cloud of Witnesses”.
|
Linda Stokes (Galloway)
I first met Mike at the Firehouse for the dances that they held every Friday night. We both loved to dance and so therefore He was my escort to the Jr/Sr Banquet in 1967. He had a wonderful smile and am honored to have been his dance partner. Mike you will always be one of my fondest memories.
Loren Adams
It was Halloween night 1963..... or maybe 1962.... Mike spent the night at our place .... an old 3-story Victorian house near downtown, around 100 years old at the time, but torn down since. The two of us went out after Mom & my sisters were asleep and soaped up windows on businesses downtown Siloam. This is the first time I'm confessing this. No one would have ever suspected me, the goody goody two-shoes who always seemed obsessed with church -- nor Mike Sykes, the Sheldon Cooper of our day. But regardless, it was a good memory of Mike & I laughing and breaking the rules. (I guess if we would have been caught, it wouldn't have been so funny.) Siloam's Barney Fife must have been sleeping. Mike was fun to be around. That Halloween will never be forgotten.
Charles (Chas) Foreman
Reading Linda and Loren's comments brought back my own memories of Mike. I can't recall him ever not smiling or being pleasant to be around. I always counted Mike a friend though he wasn't usually among the guys I ran around with. It makes me sad to know that we lose track of so many over the years. And it makes me sad to know Mike is gone.
Loren Adams
I fell asleep this afternoon listening to Mike's music. His choir numbers are so divinely beautiful, they're like visiting Glacier National Park for the first time. Suddenly I awoke and seemed to feel Mike's presence in the room. Of course, I'm not superstitious or anything like that. But what I felt seemed real, and the impression or message was this: Live your lives to the fullest. Take advantage of every minute. Because none of us knows when our time will come to depart this life. Mike lived a full life, apparently. Not only did he cultivate his talents, but shared them to everyone around. I wish we could all live to 100+ (and healthy years, I might add). But it's not our place to wonder why, but to do and die -- doing all we can for good in the allotted time. In honor of Mike Sykes, I want to dedicate the rest of my life to making the lives of everyone I encounter better. I know this is what Mike wants. I felt his presence today, or so it seemed. God bless Mike, and God bless the Class of '68 for the remainder of our days.