Phillip Sykes

Phillip Daniel Sykes - January 17, 1966 - July 18, 2025

BREWER, ME - Dan Sykes entrepreneur, musician, filmmaker, visionary, designer, healer, beloved father, son, and brother passed away unexpectedly. He was a proud and devoted father to three children; Nathan (22), Phillip (19), and Anna (16), of Bangor. Dan was raised on Long Island, New York, Dan was the son of Phillip and Judi Sykes, and brother to sister Debbie Sykes (Goulette) of Brewer, Maine.

A lifelong student of the arts, Dan studied music and theater throughout his youth, attending the prestigious St. Thomas Choir School in New York City as a boy soprano. His love for music continued into college, where he honed his skills in percussion and voice. He spent time gigging with his band, "The Blood Suckers from Outer Space." His creative path led him to New York University's film school in the late 1980s. His dreams of film making soon led to years of travel abroad; Africa, India, Russia, and Cambodia where he shot his first feature length film, "Year of the Pig."

Dan relocated to Bangor, Maine in the late 1990's where he started his family. Dan loved the beauty and architecture in Bangor, and his creativity was sparked in a new direction. The family founded Elk River Construction Company, and transformed the family residence and several other buildings in Bangor to a masterful works of art.

In 2010 he reconnected with his filmmaking roots and was the co-creator and executive producer of the feature length movie, "Colossus" shot on location in Russia. The music themed film included music by Dan's hero Frank Zappa, a rare honor bestowed by the Zappa family.

Dan's journey was one of continuous reinvention. In 2015, he fused his artistic vision with a commitment to health and healing, studying Systema and Somatic Arts under master instructors around the world. He became a Certified Feldenkrais Method Practitioner. In 2022, Dan founded the Somatic Healing Studio in Brewer-home to the world's first Live Electric Sound Bath-merging his talents and passion for music, mindfulness, and innovation into a transformative experience.

Dan was a seeker in every sense-a voracious reader, a lover of ideas, and someone who relentlessly pursued depth in everything he did. Whether crafting a film, composing a melody, exploring somatic healing, or debating philosophy, he did so with curiosity, precision, and heart.

He will be deeply missed by all who were touched by his creative brilliance and extraordinary mind. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Freedom to Read Foundation; https://www.ftrf.org/page/ROHZappa

We will hold "Open Studio Hours" on Friday, August 15th, from 5:30 - 8pm. See Dan's Socials for more information