Stephen William (Bill) Sykes

Stephen William (Bill) Sykes passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, surrounded by family at Surrey Memorial Hospital at the age of 76. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Solange, his children Sarah (Justin), Jonathan (Amy), Meredith (Jake) and by his grandchildren Eliot, Henry, Elizabeth and Josephine.

Bill was born in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England on January 10, 1950. He joined the R.A.F. at the young age of 16, which cultivated his deep sense of adventure and curiosity. From the deserts of Northern Africa to the jungles of Malaysia, Bill traveled the globe extensively and experienced many global conflicts firsthand. He was eventually stationed on the rocky shores of Goose Bay, Labrador, where in 1973, a close friend invited him on a fateful journey west to Victoria, BC, where he would meet the love of his life, Solange. They were married in 1979 and after serving in the R.A.F. for thirteen years, Bill immigrated to Canada, landing in Edmonton, Alberta. His career moved him to Vancouver, BC and with two children in tow, Bill and Solange settled in Delta, BC where their roots were firmly planted.

Bill worked tirelessly during this time, providing his wife and now three children a home that was loving and stable. Regardless of his grueling hours of work and the stresses of his job, he always made time to be with his family. He was a birthday party entertainer extraordinaire and never passed on the opportunity to play his recorder, his harmonica, or sit at the piano and plunk out a tune. He taught his children the importance of hard work, loyalty, and humility. Solange was Bill’s greatest love and his best friend. Together, they created a life that was full of laughter, happiness, and above all, love.

After leaving the military and immigrating to Canada, Bill was able to leverage his experience in military intelligence into a career in the security industry in Canada. A career that began in private security led him into aviation security, CCTV surveillance, internet policing policy, and eventually to becoming an inspector for Transport Canada and working in Ottawa on legislation for air cargo security. In his retirement, Bill remained a sought-after security consultant and worked contracts for the RCMP and private enterprises.

Bill was widely regarded as an exemplary figure in the community, and provided exceptional leadership and lasting guidance to the young individuals of the 9th SurDel Scouts. He likewise put his deep faith into action, serving on committees, as a lector, and as a choir member at Immaculate Conception Parish.

In his 60s, Bill attended university, an opportunity denied to him when he was 16. His thirst for knowledge was unquenchable, and he never passed up an opportunity to learn.

Bill’s lifelong passion for travel and music led him on many memorable tours with the Stella Maris Choir, based out of Star of the Sea Parish. He sang, alongside his wife and friends, in some of the most magnificent locations across Europe, such as St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Bill will be remembered as a patient, strong and loving man who was always available to offer up some quiet wisdom or to lend a hand. He lived with integrity, kindness, and a wicked sense of humour that left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He dedicated every second of every day to his family, who will miss him dearly.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the outstanding doctors, nurses and staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care. Special thanks also to the Priests and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion from Immaculate Conception Parish for their pastoral service and support during Bill’s illness.

Prayers will be offered Thursday, May 14, at 7:15pm at Immaculate Conception Church, located at 8842 119th Street, Delta, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, May 15, at 11:00am, celebrated by Father A. Abundo. There will be refreshments in the Parish Hall following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation.