MANCHESTER ? Stephen J. Sylvester, 52, of Manchester, died peacefully with his family at his side Saturday, Jan. 18, 2003. He led an exemplary life, dealing courageously with chronic illness using humor and inner strength. Steve was born June 2, 1950, in Augusta, Maine, the son of Robert F. and Barbara Francis (Sweetland) Sylvester. He graduated in 1968 from Winthrop High School and attended the University of Maine at Farmington. Steve was the manager of Cobbossee Colony Golf Course in Monmouth for the last 30 years. He was a great storyteller, jokester and golfer, and a longtime friend to many of the golfers at 'the Cobb.' He had a sweet spirit and a kind heart that will be missed by all his family and friends. Steve was pleased to assist Monmouth Academy in starting a golf team this year. An annual Kidney Tournament was started by his parents in 1978. This year was the 25th annual Kidney Tournament at Cobbossee and Steve showed his true spirit in mustering up the energy to attend this year. He was always pleased with the turnout for the tournament. Steve was the longest client of Maine Nephrology Associates and had great perspective on how nephrology care has progressed in the last 30 years. Steve was a past member of the Manchester Lions Club and held the office of vice president before becoming the King Lion in 1976 and 1977. He served as a selectman for the town of Manchester in the early 1970s. His parents, Robert F. and Barbara S. Sylvester; and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. G.P. Sweetland and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sylvester, predeceased Stephen. Steve will be fondly remembered by his siblings, William J. Sylvester and wife Elfie of Monmouth, Robert J. Sylvester of Juneau, Alaska, Barbara J. Sylvester-Pellett and husband Mark E. Pellett of Winthrop, David J. Sylvester of Manchester and Elizabeth J. Raph of Winthrop. Steve is a treasured uncle of Sean, Caitlin and Patrick Raph of Winthrop, Andrew Pellett of Winthrop and Aurora and Adam Sylvester of Juneau, Alaska. His aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. James A. Sylvester of South Portland; and his great-aunt, Annie Collier of Manchester, also survive him. Steve was especially fond of and grateful for the support of his lifelong friends Alan and Eleanor Wing and Brian and Debbie Sylvester and their children, Nate and Kara. Steve had many dear friends at Cobbossee Colony over the years and he was looking forward to being there in the spring. Relatives and friends may visit from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, where a celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Winthrop Sports Boosters, c/o Sue McCarthy, 455 Winthrop Center Road, Winthrop 04364, as Steve was an avid sports fan. Burial will be in the spring.