Laurence Dale Sykes, Esteemed Pharmacist and Family Man, Dies at 91

Laurence Dale “Lon” Sykes, a dedicated family man and esteemed pharmacist, passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 91. He died peacefully at home in Terra Linda, surrounded by his loved ones after a prolonged battle with esophageal cancer. Lon’s life was marked by his commitment to family, service, and community.

Born in 1935 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, during the Great Depression, Lon took an early interest in pharmacy, earning his degree from the University of Pittsburgh. His college years were enriched by his passion for music, as he played trombone in the university’s marching band. Following graduation, he joined the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), where he dedicated over twenty years of service, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain.

His career began in Boston, Massachusetts, where he met his future wife, Ann Sykes. The couple married in 1961 and moved across the country due to his assignments, which included stints in Claremore, Oklahoma, and Savannah, Georgia. In 1966, they settled in San Francisco, where Lon furthered his education at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Master’s degree in Public Health during a time of significant social change.

Lon served as the Associate Director for Ambulatory Care at the USPHS hospital in San Francisco. After retiring in 1982, he returned to his roots in pharmacy, working at Kaiser Hospital in Terra Linda. His dedication to healthcare was a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of others.

Beyond his professional life, Lon was deeply passionate about music. He was a longtime subscriber to the Marin Symphony and played trombone for over fifty years with the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District Non-Marching Band, affectionately known as the “Sewer Band,” alongside other local ensembles.

Lon’s meticulous nature extended to his home, vehicles, and garden, reflecting his pride in his surroundings. He was also a committed genealogist, sharing his passion for family history as a volunteer with the Marin County Genealogical Society. His interests included travel, reading, antique cars, and railroads, and he kept himself informed about current events.

He is survived by Ann, his wife of nearly 65 years; his sister, Marian Davis; six children: Janine Tedrow (Scott), Paul (Elaine), Gregory (Jesús), Laura Elkurdi (Ghassan), Daniel (Janet), and Karen Campton (Kevin); ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Lon’s family plans to inter his ashes at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Terra Linda and will hold a private celebration of his life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, they request donations in Lon’s name to the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at St. Isabella’s Church in Terra Linda, the Salvation Army, or the American Cancer Society. His legacy of service, love for family, and dedication to community will be greatly missed.