Sidney Six
June 20, 2016
Sidney J. Six, 59, went to be with his Savior on Monday June 20th, 2016 at the Taylor House with his wife by his side. Sid had been battling small cell carcinoma since his diagnosis in April.
Sid was born in Des Moines, Iowa on September 23, 1956 to Vern and Winifred Six. He remained in the Des Moines Area his entire life. After attending Lincoln High School and graduating in 1972, he was enrolled at Drake University at the young age of just 16. He studied at Drake for one year and then decided to join his father in the family business, Champion Crane Service. At just 19 years old he took over ownership of Champion Crane.
In 1976, while on a business trip to Canada he met and quickly fell in love with the love of his life, Helen Huitema, marrying her within the year. This union was blessed with four children, Benjamin Ryan (1977), Celeste Nicole (1979), Robert David (1981) who passed at birth, and Candice Lynne (1983).
Sid passionately invested his time and energy in his business, Champion Crane Service. He loved operating cranes, being challenged with difficult crane lifts, and teaching his son, Ben, the trade. Throughout his career he worked on many of the landmarks in the Des Moines area helping shape the city as it is today. He was an expert in the field of heavy lifting and his attention to detail landed him many safety awards throughout his career. Sid loved the cranes, but also cared deeply for his employees and people he worked with, developing many long time friendships with them.
Sid had many hobbies, usually involving a fair amount of engine horsepower. He loved flying his plane, boating, riding his motorcycle, and snowmobiling. However, nothing was was more exciting and satisfying to him than spending time with his family.
Fun loving and easy going is how most people will remember Sid; he was truly the jovial gentle giant who people quickly trusted and liked. Of course the kid in him really came out when he was around his grandchildren who just adored him! He loved keeping them up past bedtime, feeding them chocolate before dinner, and spoiling them well beyond their parent’s rules.
Sid enjoyed fellowship at church, and most recently was a member at Ivy Centennial United Methodist Church. He loved bringing the cranes to help put Christmas lights on the church and he was a master a making chocolate chip pancakes for the congregation.
Sid is survived by his wife, Helen Six; his children, Ben (Mindy) Six, Celeste (Travis) Paulson, and Candice (Curt) Vos; 13 precious grandchildren; his mother, Winifred Six; his half-brother, Dwayne Smith; and his half-sister, Norma Six-Heglin. Sid is preceded in death by his father, Vern Six; and half-brother, Tim Six.
Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. with the funeral directly following at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 25th, 2016 at Grace Church, 4200 E 25th Street, Des Moines, IA. Lunch will be provided and burial will take place at 2:15 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sully Christian School or Grace Church where his grandchildren attend.
John & Margaret Kapteyn
07/21/2016
So sorry for your loss, Helen and family. I have good memories of the times I met Sid at family and friend's functions in Ontario. I always appreciated how much he showed interest in us and others. I always came away encouraged by his positive and encouraging ways.
Hillie and Kees Cnossen
06/27/2016
Helen and family,
We are so sorry for your loss of your loving husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Olesons
06/26/2016
Prayers for the family of Sid, condolences also to Dwayne Smith and family. We had never met Sid, but sounds like a really wonderful person, god bless, Frank, Barb Oleson and family(son of Marilyn Smith Oleson)
Keven Grove
06/25/2016
My condolences to the family, friends and all who knew Sid in this time of great loss. As you know spirits were always enlightened in Sid' presence. I always admired Sid Even when tension could be high I never seen him lose his composure and witnessed his perseverance to better times. Truly a good example of a man that will impress upon my life forever. Although maybe not a perfect man I am sure Christ driven and I look forward to seeing him again on the other side. Ben, pattern your life after your father and you can rest assured you will see him again too. I know you don't know me well but if it helps you to recollect; You and your father helped us put a large airplane in a shipping container. Sid in one crane and you in another. You two in unison maneuvered those cranes together like extensions of your own arms. Talent truly a blessing! Lean on the Lord; 1Peter 1:3-6
Keven Grove, Ankeny, Iowa
Marv & Bonnie Van Dam
06/25/2016
Helen & family: so sorry to hear of Sid's passing. What fond memories we have of him from church and when he would 'help' out with the lock-ins! He always came prepared with something to entertain the kids during the wee hours of the morning! May God comfort you in your loss.
michael stancil
06/24/2016
Helen, Ben, Celest and Candice, i have know your family for over 30 yrs. There are many memories i have made with your family and i will cherrish them all, i got to know a great man, who cared for his family deeply. i am truely sorry for loss.
Stan & Connie Barnard
06/24/2016
Helen, we are so sorry to hear of Sid's passing. We have so many memories of the fun times we had together even though it was years ago. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts.
Rick Radcliff
06/22/2016
Thoughts and prayers are with the Six family, I'm sorry for your loss!
Suzie Daggett
06/22/2016
Helen, Ben, Celeste, Candice and family:
I remember your family from the old neighborhood on the south side. I'm very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Cherish the memories and take comfort in knowing there's an angel watching over you.
Condolences, Suzie Daggett
Danny Reynolds
06/22/2016
Such a great man,such a great mentor,I have spent 25 years of my career with him, learning and achieving what I know best. So many stories, so many trying times. We have gone through so much together. I thank you, and know that you will always be remembered as the best boss I have ever known.
Russ family
06/21/2016
We are friends of Celeste and Travis. We have been praying for Sid along this journey. We are thankful that his final destination is holy ground!