SPRINGFIELD - Gary T. Sikkema, age 56, of Public Landing Road, passed away peacefully on Friday March 27, 2009 in Mary ImogeneBassett Hospital,Cooperstown. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on January 15, 1953 in Cooperstown, son of Janet M. McCarty Sikkema and the late Frederick J. Sikkema.A lifelong resident of Springfield he was a graduate of Springfield Central Schoolsand SUNY Cobleskill. Garywas first employed by the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway and worked his way up to the position of Engineer. He retired from railroading in 2005 afterthirty years of dedicated service. Currently he was the owner and operator of Pathfinder Realty in Springfield. He served as Councilman of Springfield and had also served on the Planning Board. Garyenjoyed the outdoors especially boating and photography. Gary Sikkemawill be remembered as akind, fun loving man and devoted father who was happiest when he was surrounded by his many friends and family especially his children. He took great pride in watching and encouraging them to grow to become all that they could be. His laughter and gift of story tellingwill be greatly missed. He is survived by motherJanet Sikkema of E. Springfield one son Lucas Sikkema of Springfield, two daughters, Amanda Sikkema and fiancee James Patenaude of E. Springfield, Ashley Sikkema of Oneonta, his former wife Laura Carter Sikkema of Springfield, two brothers and their wives, John and Ann Sikkema, Richard and Ann Sikkema all of Phoenix, AZ, one sister, Deborah Bookhout of Ithaca, sister-in-law, Kelly Morgan-Sikkema, nieces, nephews, John Sikkema Jr., Nicole Sikkema, Kelsey Sikkema and Kaitlin Sikkema all of Phoenix, AZ. and several cousins. Besides hisfather he was preceded in death by two brothers, Douglas Sikkema and Frederick Sikkema Jr.A memorial service will be held on Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 pm in the East Springfield Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Susan Burdsall will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to the Springfield First Responders or Springfield Presbyterian Church. Envelopes will be available at the church service. Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs