Obituary of Donald Sykes

Died peacefully at home May 10, 2011 with Violet, his devoted wife of 65 years at his side. Loving father and grandfather to his children Suzanne (George Hermanson), John and Elizabeth and granddaughter Kathryn. Predeceased by his brothers Edwin, Kenneth, Larry, and sister Edith. Remembered fondly by nieces and nephews who were important to him. Donald obtained his private pilots license when he was 20 and served in The Royal Canadian Navy 1940 to 1946. He worked for Electrohome from 1954 to 1987, ending his career as Vice President, Finance. Donald was active in his community and his church serving in many capacities including chair of the board of Creditel, as trustee of McMaster Divinity School, on the board of Governors of McMaster University and as president of the Waterloo Rotary Club. A charter member of Glen Acres Baptist Church, he served faithfully in many capacities in his congregation and the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec. A life-long lover of music, he sang in the KW Philharmonic Choir (1935 - 1952), served the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra and was president from 1969 -1976, was honoured with a life membership of the Association. He played an important role in the Symphony's transformation from an amateur to professional orchestra, in the creation of the Centre in the Square and formation of the Kitchener-Waterloo Opera for which he was honoured in 1986. His wife Violet and daughter Elizabeth cared for him at home with the support of caregivers - CCAC, Paramed Support, Care Partners, Pace/homecare and Seniors for Seniors - for which the family is grateful. The support of his minister Bill Horne in his last days was very important. Visitation at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Thursday, May 12 from 7-9 p.m. A service for Donald will be held at Glen Acres Baptist Church, 223 Hartwood Avenue, Waterloo, on Friday May 13, 2011 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Glen Acres Baptist Church or the KW Symphony Foundation would be appreciated.