Harold Syd John Sydnam Jr
July 28, 1927 - March 30, 2017
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Harold Syd John Sydnam Jr
July 28, 1927 - March 30, 2017
Obituary
Harold John Sydnam, Jr. was born 90 years ago in Bandon, Oregon. Most of us knew him as “Syd” or “Grumps” and as a man who left a trail of laughter, generosity, compassion, and wisdom.
On the verge of 63, Syd reflected on things he would (at that age) have liked to do in his life, like play, but not necessarily win, the U.S. Open or “place” at Camp Perry in the Big Bore Match. Although he was never accepted to the U.S. Open or competed at Camp Perry, he was an accomplished man.
From 1932 to 1945, Syd lived in Lynden, Washington. In 1945, at age 17, he signed up for the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, and was stationed near Tiensen, China. In 1950 at age of 23 he was recalled to active duty and went to Korea as an Infantry Fire Team Leader “Grunt Corporal”. As a Sergeant in June of 1951 he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for advancing up a bare hill in the face of intense and accurate enemy fire to get within 20 yards of the enemy position and then skillfully threw a volley of hand grenades which completely neutralized the positions, enabling his squad to advance and seize the objective. He was released from active duty in December of 1951. His military memoirs can be read online at: http://www.koreanwar-educator.org/memoirs/sydnam_harold
From 1952 to 1959 he was an airline dispatcher for Pacific Northern Airlines in Anchorage, Alaska and served with the Alaska Department of Public Safety, advancing from radio dispatcher to Deputy Commissioner 1959 to 1983, retiring as “acting” Commissioner. In 1953, he married Nancy Elliott Sydnam, M.D. with whom he had four children. In 1988 Syd married Jacqueline Ryan Sydnam.
After his retirement in 1983, he pursued some of his many hobbies including growing roses and peppers, taming wild birds, outsmarting squirrels, never losing a game of cribbage, and sending daily joke emails to family and friends. He also worked as a self-employed sailor, pursuing his passion for sailing on the Arctic Tern, a 39′ sloop he bought upon retirement. He had a great fondness for the outdoors including hunting and fishing in Alaska. He never met a person he couldn’t like and the same could be said about him. He was adored by many and will be missed by all.
We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Syd during his 90 years, among them was tough times don’t last, tough people do. He was one of those people. He was thankful for each joyful awakening that brought on another day, and shared that joy with others.
Harold was predeceased by daughter Claire Ann Sydnam, Jacqueline Sydnam as well as Jacqueline’s sons Peter and Michael Ryan. He is survived by Nancy, sons Elliott K., R. Bruce, and Ben A. Sydnam, as well as stepdaughters Jennifer Sweder and Susan Monro, grandchildren Henry, Cornelius, Allison and Jackson, step-grandchildren Michael and Samantha Ryan; Peter and Jeffrey Ryan; Jesse, Matthew and Melissa Sweder, John D. Munro, and five step-great-grandchildren.
Family and close friends will gather at Lynden Cemetery at 3:30pm on Friday April 28th for the inurnment of his ashes. Saturday April 29th between 2-5pm there will be a celebration of his life at the Leopold Ballroom in Bellingham, WA. Friends are encouraged to share a story.
Calling Hours
- Date & Time: No Date & Time
- Venue: The Leopold Ballroom
- Location: 1224 Cornwall Ave Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
Inurnment
- Date & Time: No Date & Time
- Venue: Lynden Cemetery
- Location: 1975 Front St Lynden, WA 98264 - (Get Directions)
8 responses to Harold Syd John Sydnam Jr
Joann Landry says:
March 30, 2017
To all whom Syd left behind, I send my condolences.
I was about 14 when I met Syd ( I am now 52). He was my next door neighbor on Raspberry Rd, in Anchorage. I liked him the first moment I met him. He was a State Trooper as was my father at the time. He liked to give us pressed flowers that he had made in his books. He showed us how to do the same. Syd was a kind man and always had a smile to share.
I enjoyed our talks and his stories of the past. I want to thank the family for his brave service to our home land and for his service to my home Alaska.
I was sorry when he moved and often wondered about him. I am sorry to hear he has past, and I hope he has gone on to wait in paradise for the judgment day we will all share in.
He was a kind and loving person.
Sincerely,
Joann Landry
Pete Heddell says:
March 30, 2017
My condolences to his family. During my career with AST, Oct1963 through June 1987, Syd was one of the best supervisors we had. He was always ready to assist and teach to assure your career stayed on tract. After retirement, my wife Marilynn and I started and ran a successful marine charter service in Prince William Sound. After selling we purchased our retirement vessel and spent a lot of time during the past 4 years outfitting our boat at Bellingham. A lot of dinners and lunches were spent with Syd during this time.My wife Marilynn was diagnosed with cancer July 2016 and the last dinner we had together was in August 2016 after she entered the Seattle Cancer Care Clinic for treatment. My last dinner with Syd was October 2016 just before my oldest son and I moved our boat back to Petersburg. My wife passed away post successful cancer treatment November 18, 2016. Syd’s condolences were only as he could present them and will be cherished forever. Rest in peace my friend. You were loved by many and will be missed by all with whom you had contact.eq34Q fy52P fbh53
Richard and Denise Iliff says:
March 30, 2017
Our deepest sympathies for the Sydnam family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sue Mcculloch says:
March 30, 2017
Rest in Peace Syd. I will miss your funnies.
Robert G. Love says:
March 30, 2017
Syd was the best friend that I ever had. we went to high school and later to college and even roomed together in Bellingham while we attended college. After high school, I went into the Army Air Forces and Syd went into the Marine Corp. We had some really good arguments about who won the war, but we never did quite settle it. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.
Rest in peace, old friend.