BORDER farmers who sought the advice of Albury agronomist John Sykes would begin their relationship with him as a client of his farm consultancy.
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But more often than not, those professional relationships developed into firm and valued friendships that would last for years and now, a lifetime.
Mr Sykes died at the weekend after a battle with skin cancer that has shaken family, friends and clients since his diagnosis.
Last year “Sykesy” told The Border Mail he had tackled his illness by moving on with life, working and visiting his clients with the assistance of a driver.
It was a reflection of the commitment to farmers and the sector by Mr Sykes, who had barely had a day off during 20 years with the NSW Department of Agriculture and was always available to clients when he opened his own business in 1992.
His other passion was rugby and, after playing the game while at Sydney University, Mr Sykes was a founding member of Albury Steamers in the 1970s.
Friends and clients will miss the widely acknowledged and thoughtful advice, keen intellect, care and professionalism from a man who simply got on with the job.
