Isaac William Odotei Sykes

Biography of the late Isaac William Odotei Sykes

Isaac William Odotei Sykes was born on Wednesday, February 14, 1944 at Korle Bu in Accra, Ghana to the late Moses Arthur Sykes from James Town & La and the late Mary Djamaki Vanderpuye from Ningo Prampram & James Town. He was the seventh born of nine siblings. He was baptized into the Methodist faith as an infant and maintained his faith in God.  Isaac attended a government school and upon completing secondary school, he started working with Umaco shipping company and later worked for Christian Service Community in Ghana as a personal assistant for a pastor.

In his youthful years, Isaac wanted more in life than the lifestyle he found himself. He started driving a taxi to earn enough money to support himself, his family and siblings to later owning multiple vehicles for others to work. In Ghana, he had 4 children: Eric Sykes (late), Franklin Sykes, Jennifer Sykes and Millicient Sykes. He always wanted to travel outside of Ghana and in 1980 he left Ghana to Amsterdam for a year and return to Ghana where he met Ms. Suzie Abbey and they both traveled to Germany in 1981 and a year later (1982) they welcomed their daughter Cleopatra Sykes.

In 1985, Isaac relocated to the United States of America and resided in Chicago with a determination to work harder to make it in life. On one occasion in Chicago, Isaac ran into an old childhood friend at an event who helped him relocate to Milwaukee, WI, and assisted him financially until he found work at Milwaukee Faucets as a licensed Diesel Truck Operator, a job he took with pride and dedication. Unfortunately, Isaac hurt himself on the job and found another job working as a backstage security at Summerfest and worked for Securatias as a security for one of the US Bank’s branches.

Isaac’s life was full of joy and passion and over the years, he was blessed with 19 grandchildren. He loved traveling, cooking, watching soccer, boxing, and American football; and he loved being social. Isaac always said that if he would have come to America during his youthful years, he would have played American football and coached because of his passion for the game.

Isaac deeply loved his family and cherished the moments he shared with them. He was very dedicated to his children and his heart delighted to see them prosper. Isaac will be remembered as a man of strength, kindness, and the unwavering love he had for his family. His sacrifices and compassion to his loved ones were remarkable.

Isaac William Odotei Sykes departed this life on Sunday, December 15th, at Aurora Zilber Family Hospice after a prolonged illness. His memories will always have a special place in so many hearts. His life was a blessing, and his memories are our treasures.

During these most difficult times, family and good friendship are truly a blessing. We thank each of you for reminding us that the unchangeable love of God is a fountain of strength and serenity. May God richly bless each of you as he continues to sustain us.

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