Abel Baxton Sykes, Jr.

Message from Tim Wright

I will always remember taking his History class at Kings River Community College while he was the dean of the school. He made me say, "say it loud and be proud", when giving an answer. He was one of the great teachers I had and how strang life is I would return to Fresno Ca to follow his advice and teach. He was a great role model. Rest in Peace.

A candle was lit by Belinda Silvas, student of his in 1961 O'Farrel Jr. High on January 14, 2019 4:05 PM

A candle was lit by DaMaxwell aka lil' max on March 21, 2018 11:40 AM

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RE memory like the do in the morning simple rest in KC and the sunrise Royality go elite and rizo pizo dizzo cizzo>1978-y2k rep no flip fop___-___+33=infti...

A candle was lit by delana maxwell may you rest in peace omega pops with eswncpt on March 21, 2018 11:33 AM

Message from G. Flowers

I know time has passed and the healing process has begun by remembering the wonderful accomplishments of Dr. Sykes.  Although I have just learned of your lost, I wanted to let you know I was an adjunct professor under Dr. Sykes' Compton College president/superintendent term and he was the absolute best!  I will never forget him and his spectacular feats as our president/superintendent.

Many blessings to your family.

Message from Craig Henry

To God be the Glory! my dear friend and the only father figure i knew Mr. Sykes.My love to the entire family which i truly feel apart of, God has spoken let us all say amen.

Craig Henry

Message from Faheem Salaam (aka Donald Landry)

My heart goes out to you Sylvia and your family during this difficult time. You cannot possibily remember me, but I was a leader of student demonstrations on the campus of Compton College in 1969, 1970 and 1971. I was impulsive and arrogrant until I had the great fortune of meeting Dr. Sykes who gave me clarity and a sense of moral consciousness. I will never be able to forget Dr. Sykes. Please accept my condolences.

Message from Ray Turner

I was saddened to read of Dr. Sykes death and paused to remember what a genuinely remarkable man he was. His work at LCC brought progress, clear thinking and innovation to a college that needed it desperately. For me, Dr. Sykes revitalized my career, providing opportunities for leadership I could never have imagined. I will remember his work and his immeasurable kindness for the rest of my days.

Ray Turner

Message from Hans and Helen Cheng

In 1994, I and my family moved to Haslett, MI.  We were most fortunate to be next door neighbors to Abel and Sylvia, some of the nicest people I’ve ever known.  They were not only kind to us but especially our very young girls.  Abel’s kindness and thoughtfulness have always been remembered by us and I’m sure by many others.

The world is a sadder place without his presence.

Message from Rebecca Stimson

Dr. Sykes was a gracious man and an effective leader, and Lansing Community College is a better place because of him. My professional life took a different turn because of the work that took place under his stewardship. I am grateful for that.

My heartfelt condolences to your family.

Message from Melanie Rogers

Sylvia and Family,

I was sadden to hear about Abel's passing.  I have very fond memories of him during his 10 years at Lansing Community College, when he brought LCC to the forefront of online education.  He was a genial man with a great sense of humor.  Please accept my condolences for your loss.

Melanie Rogers

Message from Kirby Milton

Sylvia and Family,

I was heartbroken to hear of Dr. Sykes's passing on WKAR this morning. Abel was a very important mentor to me as I began my third decade at LCC and his guidance, intellect, and compassion have had a significant impact on my own career and life. I really enjoyed working as his "change agent" as he worked to integrate technology and improved student services at LCC. I also cherish our interactions on photography; most at the college didn't ever see that side of his creativity yet we had many conversations and learnings that were reflected in his work. When you left Lansing, I gifted some of my own large format cameras and equipment to Abel and I'm sure he put that to good use in his excursions into the wilds of California.

I regret not knowing of his passing until today; I would have made an effort to attend his services in Kansas City. I feel so fortunate to have been able to work with him so closely at LCC; his passing will leave a huge hole in the lives of many like me who were made better by our interactions with this great man.

Regards,

Kirby

Message from Brenda Henderson

We were very saddeened to learn of Abels passing. We often reflect on your days in Lansing, Mi and the impact he has on our community. Our love and prayers to his wonderful family.
Dr David and Brenda Hendersonwnhopm

Message from mike ingram

It was a honor to know and work under Dr.Sykes great leadership here at Lansing Community College.Ive thought of him a lot since he left,how he was a great speaker,a proffessional like no other and the best dressed President bar none.He always had a kind word and was very encouraging.May God bless the family during this time and know that you can find comfort in him.

Message from Estina Pratt

I met Dr. Sykes briefly on a few occasions when we had some celebration here on campus. As a faculty member, I heard his name during many conversations, so I know he left a great legacy on the Compton College campus.  

My deepest sympathy to the family.

Message from Bruce Boyden

Sylvia, Dawn, Daphne, Leslie, & Family
I too today mourn and am overcome with grief. But I know we shall see Him again.  So to that end, today I will set aside my sorrow and sing God’s Praises for His Life, until we meet again in the morning.
Please know that I LOVE each and everyone of YOU and I am praying for you!  

Lots of Love,

Bruce A. Boyden
Compton, California

DEATH
Then Almitra spoke, saying, "We would ask now of Death."And he said:
You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?

The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light. If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life. For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one. In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond; And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.

Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honor. is the sheered not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?

Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?

And what is to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered? Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

Kahlil Gibran