David Walter Oakes

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father David Walter Oakes. He was born on August 10, 1930, and died on July 29th, 2021, which was two weeks before his 91st birthday. He is pre-deceased by his beloved wife Geraldene, his parents, his siblings Wilbur (Edith) Oakes, Alan (Esther) Oakes, and Marilyn Weir, and his son-in-law Kevin Raper. He is survived by his children Gregory (Julie) Oakes, Karen Robinson, and Lori (Bob) Caister, grandchildren Leah (Tyler Haw) Robinson, Kate Dick, Paige (Jeff) VanSchyndel, Kevin Neil Raper, Scott (Jocelyn) Caister and Sheri Caister, and great-grandchildren Brooke and Reese VanSchyndel, Charlotte Dick, Brynne Caister, Kaden and Payton Lee, and his brother Ken (Shirley) Oakes.

David was born in Kirkland Lake, and he valued education, but shortly after his mother's untimely death he left high school early. He had a variety of careers and interests during his life that included a brief career as a hockey player that was cut short by injury, Manager at a Finance Company, Bailiff in Lincoln County, Assistant City Clerk in St. Catharines, Town Clerk in Newcastle/Bowmanville/Clarington, and City Clerk in Peterborough.

He met the love of his life, Geraldene, and together, raised our family in St. Catharines. With the family’s full support, and while working full time, and raising a family, he spent four years as a mature student studying full time at Brock University and graduated with an Honours BA in Political Science.

He was a pilot, scuba diver, wood worker, and enjoyed restoring antiques. He loved to travel with Mom, and they spent many happy winters in Florida soaking up the sun. He was a lifelong member of the Seymour Masonic Lodge in Port Dalhousie as well as a member of the Lions Club for most of his life. Dave volunteered for many years with numerous Lions Clubs. He embraced evolving technology and was interested in world events to the end. He was an avid reader, and was still reading 4-6 books a week until he went into hospital. Over the last few years, he enjoyed his weekly A&W Men's breakfast gathering until the covid pandemic spoiled the fun.

He will be fondly remembered as a devoted family man who supported his family in every possible way. He is with our mom now, may they both rest in peace together in death as they were in life.

The family would like to thank Dr. and Mrs. Hudson especially, and the staff at PRHC for their compassion and care of Dad. Donations may be made to any charity of your choice.

There will be a private family graveside service on Monday, August 16, 2021 at 11am, Rosemount Memorial Gardens in Peterborough.