It’s rare in life to find someone that is literally friends with everyone that they meet, but such was the life of Dave Sykes. Whether he was walking the streets of Toronto with his family after a Blue Jays game, or hanging out after 18 holes at his local course, there was always a chorus “Hey Dave” or “Spike! It’s been a while!” or “What’s happening, Dave” randomly around a corner, or the next row down, or wherever he went.
On Saturday, November 9th, 2024, Dave died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 72. Dave was predeceased by his sister Darlene. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife Joan and his children Brad and Laura (Steven). He will be especially missed as the best papa ever to grandchildren Jack, Sloan, Benjamin, and Samuel. Dave will also be remembered fondly by his sister Marcia (Doug), brothers and sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Born in Benito, Manitoba, Dave spent his formative years in Cambridge, before starting his career and family in Goderich. He worked many years for the Goderich Signal Star, from reporter to publisher, and retired early, freeing his time to follow his passions: volunteering in the community with community living and the hospital foundation, buying and reading newspapers, and, of course, golfing.
Though he died far too soon, David will forever be remembered for his sense of wonder and curiosity, his quick wit, and his incredibly kind, generous, and empathetic spirit. In life, he may have had an infinite number of friends, in death he will be remembered by all.
As per his wishes, the family will hold a private ceremony. Those who would like to honour Dave’s memory are encouraged to donate to the Goderich Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Foundation or the London Health Sciences Foundation (Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre).
Shared by Gary & Sherry Muxlow
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
yvette Zandbergen
I have very fond memories of David and Im so sad to hear of his passing. As a young reporter he had a big impact on me. I remember him as a lovely gentle man. My condolences to the family
David House
Our sincerest sympathies on Dave’s passing. I remember him as a youngster and kid brother of Marcia and Darlene at St. Clement School in Preston.
I was also saddedend to learn of Darlens’s passing.
Barbara Gillis
Dear Sykes family,
I have come to know a little more about Dave through these amazing memories. I was fortunate to have Dave’s sister, Darlene, as my sister in law. I am Alan’s sister. I hope the memories keep you warm as you recall the blessing of knowing Dave and Darlene. Sincerely, Barbara Gillis
Sandra Forster
I was shocked and saddened to read this news. Dave was my publisher at the Goderich Signal Star, a respectful, supportive, friendly boss and a pleasure to work with. My sympathy.
Joanna Walker
Sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family.
John and Connie Harrison
Our Sympathy to Dave’s Family.
I always enjoyed playing golf and poker pool with Dave.
Enjoyed his conversations.
Regards,
John and Connie Harrison
Rick Budd
I first met Dave when we were both Grade 9 students at Preston High School. As often happens in school environments, groups of friends form and bonds develop that continue long into the future. Dave and I attended Conestoga College together where he studied journalism. Our circle of friends was an interesting bunch of characters, each looking for the right path and the right adventure. To begin our careers, Dave moved from Preston to Goderich with this wife Joan, and I moved to Calgary. Though far apart, we forever appreciated the nourishment of friendship and shared memories.
It was certainly a sad day for me and the old “Preston gang” when we learned of our pal Dave’s death. It hurts to lose a friend, even when we somehow hadn’t remained in touch with each other. His smile will always be with us. His quick wit. His laugh. His quiet mannerisms. And his ability to add colour to a conversation with inspired injections of a well-chosen word or two, each perfectly timed and delivered with a friendly punch.
To Dave’s wife Joan, son Brad and daughter Laura, we send heartfelt condolences. We know he will always be with you.
Gary Gravett
So sorry to hear the passing of Dave. Great gentleman and certainly made our family feel welcome to the community in 2003 when we bought Goderich Sunset Gild Club.
R.I.P my friend! Hit them straight in heaven ⛳️
Ron Sowerby
Sincerest condolences to all of Daves Family and Friends. Great person gone to soon. First met Dave when he created the Toung Canada Week daily newspaper..then the ball diamonds and golf course. Great guy gone way too soon.
Debbie Whitmore
Joan, Laura and Brad. My condolences on the passing of your husband , and father,
Dave. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick Palla
A friend to all, a stranger to no one, on the ball field, in business and on the street.
Fanfare for the common man.
Godspeed Dave
Rick Palla
Jamie Welwood
Dave made us feel welcome and part of the neighbourhood when we moved in next door in 2019. Each time our paths crossed, Dave would greet us with a genuine smile and interest in how we were doing. We were lucky to see the grandfatherly side of Dave when we had our son Johnny. Dave would often stop whatever yardwork he would be doing to come over and see Johnny and have a nice chat. I will miss our over the fence talks about sports, family, and life in general.
Joan and family, we are thinking of you during this time.
Charlie Crawford
I did know Dave personally and that he was Editor of the Signal Star. My wife Marion and I were married in 1982 and bought Dave’s house in Port Albert in October of 1984 ; which we still to this day.
Kelly Desson
Sincere condolences to Dave’s family.
Kelly Desson
Former staff member at Goderich Sunset Golf Course
Mark Hoshoian
I am very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I have many fond memories of our times together at Preston High School during our teens.
We had a tight knit group that shared the same sense of humour, one that kept us poking fun at each other and ready for the next joke directed our way. Dave had a quick wit and always a big smile – always positive and funny.
Dave will certainly be missed, but his sparkling personality will remembered forever.
Jeff and Sue Seddon
I first met Spike about 50 years ago when we both started as reporters for the Signal Star.
Dave arrived as a journalism student from Conestoga College to work on the Young Canada Pee Wee hockey tournament daily and liked it and was liked so well he stayed until retirement.
Dave and I were instant friends. We were as politically incorrect and irreverent as can be but we had fun.
Dave was always kind and thoughtful and a good listener.
He would listen to people he was interviewing then contemplate what he wanted to say and then articulate it in his writing offering a perspective few people concluded.
Spike and I went our separate ways when I moved away from Goderich but seemed to meet every five or so years and it was always like we had never been apart.
I’ll always cherish the fun and laughter we shared in all our time together.
My heart goes out to Joan and the family.
We all lost a good one.
Spike -30-
Gary & Sherry Muxlow
Dave(spike)Sykes
Our heartfelt condolences to Joan,Brad Laura and family. Dave was a well respected, kind, caring man.
Dave was the contact for my wife Sherry’s GDCI co-op students at the Signal Star. His smile and friendly demeanour made placing students at the Signal Star a delight for her.
I had the great pleasure of playing golf weekly with Dave for many years. I will miss our conversations about the Blue Jays, Montréal Canadiens ,Sauble Beach and grandchildren.
Dave played golf into September with our group when he was well enough to play. Sometimes just nine holes. Dave was an avid golfer who could drive the ball a mile . He loved the game of golf, competition and good natured golf banter.
I have many found memories of golfing with Dave but one stands out for me. Dave was helping me look for my golf ball. Laughing he said “Geez Mux I don’t believe I have ever seen this area of the course.”
He will be dearly missed.
Ryan Riehl
Joan, Brad and Laura, I am so very sorry for your loss. Dave was a wonderful man, who would always greet you with a smile. My thoughts are with you.
dave Cloet
SO SAD….I enjoyed my time with Dave on our Slowpitch team …many good times together…Dave was always positive and competitive….great guy…..my condolences to his family…he will be missed….
Gayle and Barron Purser
We extend our sincere condolences in your loss of Dave.
He was an amzong part of this community!
May your memories hepl you through this very difficult time
Sincerely
Gayle and Barney Purser
Deb and Bruce Brindley
Our condolences to Joan and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Cathy Holman
I never knew Dave well as an adult. His sister Darlene and I were good friends from the time they moved to Preston (Cambridge), until her death earlier this year. I know how proud Dar was of her little brother; her eyes shone whenever she spoke of him. His kindness and humor have been mentioned often in the above comments. Neither trait is surprising; they were part of his family heritage. I didn’t know his dad very well either but his mother and both sisters were/are love and generosity personified….and always smiling.
My sincere condolences to Joan and all the family.
Tom and Nancy Flynn
Dear Joan, Bradley and Laura
We were very saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Dave was a really nice man. Quick wit and sense of humour. Tom has many funny stories about their times on the road for trips to St. Catharines. Please know you’re in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate the coming days. He will be missed. Much love to all of you from the Flynns.
Sandra Colbourne
Joan So sorry to hear about Dave’s passing on
Saturday Chris and Paul also send their condolences He will be in my prayers. I have recently moved back to London and am staying at Paul’s so I hope we have a chance to meet in the near future.. My best to all the family
Kelly Harrison
Dear Joan and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Please know that our thoughts are with you and we send lots of love as you work through this difficult time.
Take good care, Kelly, Craig and Family
David Million
For Dave’s Family
The Dave Sykes that I knew was a kind, involved and generous man. He loved his family and his community. He was a rare individual. He will be missed
My deepest sympathies
Dave Million
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Joan – you and your family are in my special thoughts – with sadness and sympathy –
Dave will always be remembered as a special part of our community -Cecelia Denomme
Paul & Sue Corriveau
To Joan and the entire family please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of Dave, he was a great neighbor and friend for a long time. Our thoughts are you and your family at this difficult time.
Paul & Sue Corriveau
Ben Forrest
Dave was incredibly kind and encouraging to me in the brief time I worked for him at the Signal-Star, and as acting editor of the Clinton News-Record. I’ll remember his generosity and the spirit of camaraderie he developed among the staff in his time as publisher.
Joanne Walters
Dear Joan,
I was so sorry to learn of Dave’s passing. It seems like just yesterday that we were working at the Signal-Star together. He was great to work with because he had such a good sense of humour and, as his obit says, he was a very friendly person. I remember how excited he was when Brad & Laura were born & I’m glad to learn he became a grandpa in later years. A good guy gone far too soon. May happy memories give you comfort at this sad time. God bless you & your family. Rest in peace Dave.
Joanne
Natalie Steenstra
On behalf of all his friends here at Community Living-Central Huron we send our condolences to the family and friends of Dave. He will be deeply missed.
John and Laurie Banter
Joan and Family, we wish to offer you our condolences on the loss of Dave. May he rest in peace, and may he live on with the memories you have had over the years.
Mary & Ed Johnston
Joan and family. We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. I always looked forward to bumping into you and Dave down at the beach and reminiscing about the newspaper days, catching up on your family and life in general. Hugs to you all Mary & Ed Johnston
Michelle Long Bauman
Dave – the reporter the boss. I was his employee for almost all of my newspaper career I know I have many pics of him I’ll dig one up. He was so full of humour and good will. My greatest sympathy for Joan and his Entire family. His Golf skills: impeccable. Company golf tourney. I felt something whizz by by head. Turned around and it was Spikes shot. I shall remember this and Spike forever. Rest easy Dave.
Sharon Brownlee
Joan, my deepest condolences. Such a beautiful tribute in the obituary. He truly was a friend to everyone he met.