John Oakes

John was born in New Britain, Ct, the oldest child of Georgette (Dubois) Oakes and Gilbert Oakes. He graduated from New Britain HIgh School Class of '65. He enjoyed many summers at Sound View Beach in Old Lyme, Ct.

After high school, he moved to Kalamazoo Mi to pursue an apprenticeship in Tool and Die. He was blessed to be supported in his career by his Uncle Walt Wisk and Aunt Irene (Dubois) Wisk of Three Rivers. A lover of nature and open spaces he found the midwest suited him and he put down his roots.

Together with his wife Judy, they established their home and raised 2 children, his son Scott Oakes and his daughter Jill Oakes Schaaf on Crooked Lake in Delton. The family enjoyed fishing, camping, boating, ice hockey, snowmobiling and sledding.

In a "Pay it Forward" move John supported his sister Debra Oakes and her husband Ron Bisson in coming to Michigan to pursue their dreams.

In later years, John returned to the ocean, spending vacations in Puerto Vallarta where he found his spiritual peace.

Though his life was complicated and his struggles many, he had a gentle spirit and soul. He was best able to express this through the rescued dogs he adopted and cared for.

In his later years, the times when John laughed the most were the times he spent gathered at the dinner table surrounded by his family-Scott and his wife Heather Whyte Oakes, Jill and her husband Mike Schaaf and his beautiful Granddaughters, Brittany, Kaitlyn, MacKenzie and Brooklynn. John could always be counted on for a good game of air hockey or ping pong.

John will be cremated and the family plans to scatter his ashes in private memorials in his favorite places: the beaches of Connecticut, the lakes of Michigan and the shores of Puerto Vallarta.

The family is holding an open house for family and friends on Sunday November 23 from 4-6pm at the house of his daughter Jill (6024 Marlow St Portage). If you knew John or a member of his family, you are invited to express your condolences, give hugs or to share a story.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to an Animal Rescue League of your choice in John's name.