Cover photo for Donald Charles Sykes's Obituary
Donald Charles Sykes Profile Photo
1948 Donald 2024

Donald Charles Sykes

February 7, 1948 — October 26, 2024

Following a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Don left this world peacefully on October 26, 2024. He is deeply missed by his beloved wife of 54 years, Sharma, cherished sons Sean (Susan), Brett (Robyn Paton), and treasured grandchildren Austin, Regan, and Jack, who were the great joys of his life. He was sadly predeceased by son Scott in 2019. Don will also be fondly remembered by his siblings Bob (Chris), Linda (Peter Torbet), Ted (Elizabeth), Richard (Pam), Kathy (Kelly Detheridge), sister-in-law Kara (Glenn Bennett), brother-in-law Randy Rutsch, and many nieces and nephews.

Don was born in Winnipeg on February 7, 1948 and later attended Queen’s University, where he met Sharma. After graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Arts, B.PHE, and Masters in Education, he began his life’s work as an educator. He touched the lives of thousands of students throughout his career, first as a teacher at John F. Ross Collegiate in Guelph and South Grenville District High School and later as Vice Principal at Athens District High School, North Grenville District High School, Brockville Collegiate Institute and Principal at Carleton Place District High School. Even after retiring in 2003, Don remained passionate about teaching and embarked on a great adventure with Sharma to run a school in China for several years. Don will be remembered for his strength, kindness, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Don’s life at St. James the Apostle Church, 3774 Carp Rd., on Tuesday November 5, 2024 at 11:00am. The service will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. If you wish, donations in Don’s memory may be made by cheque payable to St James Anglican Church, PO Box 157, Carp ON K1A 1L0 or by e-transfer to huntleyoffice@bellnet.ca. Please clearly indicate “In memory of Don Sykes” on the cheque or e-transfer.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Charles Sykes, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration of Life

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

St. James The Apostle Church

3774 Carp Road, Carp, ON K0A 1L0

The service will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. If you wish, donations in Don’s memory may be made by cheque payable to St James Anglican Church, PO Box 157, Carp ON K1A 1L0 or by e-transfer to huntleyoffice@bellnet.ca. Please clearly indicate “In memory of Don Sykes” on the cheque or e-transfer.

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