CHANDLER, AZ — Charles Augustus Sykes, age 85, passed away on May 10, 2016 at his residence in Chandler, Arizona surrounded by his wife and five children.
 |
| Charles Augustus Sykes |
Charles was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on July 12, 1930, the son of Charles Sykes and Hazel Emerson. He grew up in Somerville and Lexington, MA, attended Lexington High School and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Management from Northeastern University. In his later years, he earned his law degree at the Peninsula School of Law.
Charles married his childhood sweetheart, Phyllis, in 1951 and was lucky to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary in March 2016.
He was employed at Sanders Associates in Nashua, New Hampshire for 18 years until moving to California in 1973. Charles spent his life devoted to working on Top Secret programs that helped defend America and he retired from Lockheed Missiles and Space Systems in 1992. He also served in the Air National Guard for 10 years.
Charles is survived by his wife, Phyllis; daughter, Kristine and husband, David McHone of Newport Beach, CA; son, William and wife, Patty Sykes of Gilbert AZ; daughter, Susan Sykes of San Jose, CA; daughter, Janie and husband Sean Lidey of Anchorage, AK; daughter, Carol and husband, David Casas of Los Altos, CA. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was pre-deceased by his parents, Charles Sykes and Hazel Emerson; his much-loved stepfather, Charles Emerson; infant son, Robert Charles; adored brother, Russell James Sykes; treasured niece, Julie Sykes Boisvert.
In his 50’s, Charles obtained his private pilots license as well as becoming an avid runner and strong tennis player. He even built his own tennis court in 1989 so his whole family could play together. Spending time with his family was always a priority. During his retired years, he and Phyllis moved to Stockholm, Maine where they had a beautiful home as well as a summer home that was a magical place for the family to meet each summer. He served three years as a Selectman in the town of Stockholm and was an extremely involved member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Stockholm helping with community outreach, bible study, and many other aspects of the church community.
Charles was strong and courageous during his 2-year struggle with Alzheimer’s and ALS and his family and friends will miss his positive attitude, beautiful smile, awesome hugs and those baby blues.
Please consider a donation in Charles’ memory to the Stockholm, Maine Historical Society, 280 Main St. Stockholm, ME 04783.
