Plainfield, VT Stephen C. "Steve" Sykas, 39, of Country Club Road died on Monday, January 9, 2012 at his home surround by his loving family after a 12 year battle with Synovial Sarcoma, a form of cancer. He was born on December 7, 1972 in Berlin, VT, the son of Paul William and Patricia Ann (Stoddard) Sykas. He graduated from Montpelier High School in the class of 1991. After graduation he attended New England College and then transferred to UVM where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree. After college he began working in his family's restaurant, The Lobster Pot. It was there that he learned all aspects of running a restaurant, including his talent as a chef. Once his parents decided to retire and close the restaurant, Steve bought and ran Yankee Wine and Spirits in Montpelier. On August 12, 2000, he married Amy Lane at the family camp on Groton Pond. While in high school, Steve was a talented hockey player. He continued to play in informal games with friends throughout college. Recently he reminisced about the enjoyment he had while coaching youth hockey. As a passionate outdoorsman, Steve enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an active member of the Central Vermont Bassmasters Club and also Ducks Unlimited. Steve participated in many fishing tournaments in the area as well as some professional bass tournaments in North Carolina and on Lake Champlain. Steve most enjoyed fishing with his nephews as well as with his loyal, hunting, sleeping, and eating buddy; his dog, Muka. For a number of years, Steve was the chairperson for the Central Vermont Chapter of the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life". Above all else Steve enjoyed life. His practical jokes done to his friends and family were committed out of the love and respect he had for them. Steve was considered a "specialist in creative bonfires" and enjoyed the camaraderie that he shared with his friends and family while having these social gatherings. Survivors include his dog, Muka; his wife, Amy Sykas; parents, Paul and Pat Sykas of Groton Pond, VT; sister, Julie DiPilato, her husband, Chris and their family Jacob, Ryan, and their dog Molly of Barnstable, MA; father and mother-in-law, Clair and Pat Lane of Calais, VT; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of the family. There will be no formal funeral service, however, calling hours will be held from 2:00-5:00 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home in Montpelier. Steve requested that any services for him be a time to reflect on happier moments of his life rather than a somber event. It is therefore Steve's wish for people not to wear black to calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, PO Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601.