MAURICE H. OAKES

Condolences & Memories (21 entries)

• Thank you everyone for your nice comments about my father. Dad was my hero and a huge inspiration in my life! I am very lucky to have had such a great father. He was an amazing man, with some incredible accomplishments! Some of those accomplishment include playing baseball for Team Canada on the first ever Pan American team. Being inducted into the Manitoba and Saskatchewan Baseball Hall Of Fame. Being a leader in the insurance industry. He was a coach and a role model for many different kids over the years. Dad was always there for anyone that needed him! He took so much time out of his life to spend with his four children. Always there to watch us kids at our various sporting events. There are a lot of great memories of the time we spent together that will be with me forever. Every time I pick up a ball glove I will remember him. Whenever I head to the Rockies he will be with me. When I hear a train whistle, it will be Dad saying "hi". Any time I hear the sound of a trumpet it will be him playing it. When I go out to play a round of golf, his voice will be telling me to keep my head down. For the rest of my life when I lace up my skates, he'll be on the bench encouraging me. If I sit down to watch an Oilers game. My dad will be right there beside me... Dad was a pretty good golfer as well. Out of all the many times we went for a round together, I managed to only beat him once. It took me until he was 67 years old to do it. Although, I think there may be a small chance that he let me win that day in Edmonton. I saw my father a couple months before he passed. We sat down and had a really good, long talk. I am so grateful for that! It will be difficult to go on without his encouragement, love and words of wisdom. This is the most difficult thing I've ever had to deal with. I miss him a lot! I love you Dad. Rest In Peace - Posted by: Jason Oakes (Son) on: Jul 25, 2012

• I want to thank everyone for their memories and condolences. Maurice was an amazing husband and father to our four children. Our memories of our life together will sustain us. We do not fully appreciate what we have until it is lost. Life will never be the same as we knew it without him. We enjoyed 51 and a half years together since high school and I will miss him forever. He was and is the love of my life and it will be hard to go on without him. Brenda O. - Posted by: Brenda Oakes (Wife) on: Jun 07, 2012

• Very shocked and saddened to hear of Maurice's passing. We went to school and played together as young boys back in Sturgis, Saskatchewan. He was always excellent in sports. I hadn't heard much about him since their family left for Gladstone, but I heard he was an Olympic track candidate. I was surprised to hear we both had lived in Edmonton in the early '70's. I'm glad to hear he was such an excellent man. This certainly has to be terrible for his family and friends. - Posted by: Maynard Olson (Childhood Friend) on: Apr 30, 2012

• Shocked and saddened by this news. I knew Maurice for a number of years and he stood out for being gentle and kind. He always did what was right and he went beyond where he needed to when people were in need....and that was at work. I can only imagine how wonderful he was in his personal life. - Posted by: David Porter (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2012

• I am on vacation in the PRC with my family and just found out about the passing of Maurice. He was literally one of the classic acts of all time in both our insurance business and in person... never a dull conversation one time with him... I had lost touch touch with him in the last few years. My sincerest to all his family and loved ones. We will miss him. Kindest Regards, Frank Duke - Huangshi, Hubeii Province, PRC Arthur J Gallgher(Canada)Group - Posted by: Frank Duke (Friend and Business Associate) on: Apr 23, 2012

• Maurice was one of the truly great characters and I will always remember him dearly...."it is not the man inside the boy, but the boy inside the man".... that, to me, really was Maurice. - Posted by: Stewart and Susan Tarrant (Friends) on: Apr 21, 2012

• I was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Maurice Oakes. I always thought of him as being “ indestructible “ but we all have a date with destiny. Maurice you will be truly missed by all who knew you. My sympathy goes out to Brenda & the children & extended families. While I never met Brenda or any of the children I felt I knew them well by the way Maurice would speak of them. Maurice was a friend & competitor in both business & sport (mainly curling) & I can only say at this time “farewell friend“ - Posted by: Gary Best (Friend) on: Apr 12, 2012

• Maurice and I worked together for many years. Both while he was in Manitoba and also while on Vancouver Island. Maurice was always a gentleman and a professional. He will be sorely missed in our profession. His knowledge would have filled volumes! Maurice, we will miss you. - Posted by: Greg Merrithew (Business Associate) on: Apr 11, 2012

• We were so sorry to hear of Maurice's passing. We will always remember him as such a great guy. We shared so many fun times during the baseball years. Always enjoyed the times when he would play his horn. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. - Posted by: Bob & Linda Wilson (Friends) on: Apr 10, 2012

• I first met Maurice in 1973 when I went to work for the Co-operaters and he was very influential in my insurance career. As others have stated once you had the privilege of associating with Mo you were left with many laughs. The insurance world is one big family and Mo made it fun. Donna and I extend our sincere condolences to Brenda and the family. - Posted by: Laurie Sandberg (Worked with in the 1970s and have many great memories and experiences.......) on: Apr 10, 2012

• Maurice and I worked together when he moved to Edmonton in the early 70's and shared so many interesting and wonderful adventures together during those years. We shared a friendship that I never forgot. He was without doubt the most memorable man I knew. My sincere condolences to Brenda and family. - Posted by: Don Wood (Friend) on: Apr 10, 2012

• I first met Maurice in 1976 and he was my Supervisor. There are far too many stories I share with Maurice and sadly the page has been turned. Maurice was a great mentor and friend. Brenda and family I am truly sorry for your loss - Posted by: Darryl Louis (Friend and Colleauge) on: Apr 10, 2012

• I had the occasion to work with Maurice as a co-worker and as a service provider. In all cases I found Maurice to be a straight forward, no-nonsense professional. I sincerely wish Maurice's departure from our industry was occasioned by his retirement. I am saddened to learn that he left us so suddenly. I offer Maurice's family sincere condolences and would like to express that Maurice was a well-liked peer in our industry. - Posted by: Jean Corbeil (Co-Worker/Business Associate) on: Apr 09, 2012

• Brenda and family - so sorry to hear of Maurice's passing. We always enjoyed our visits with you in Victoria. Maurice is fondly remembered in Gladstone as a fantastic athlete. Take care. - Posted by: Tom and Laura Freeborn (friends) on: Apr 09, 2012

• I am so sorry for your loss, Brenda. My sympathies to you and your family. - Posted by: JoAnn Beavington (Lackey) (friend from Gladstone, MB) on: Apr 09, 2012

• Brenda and family, Thinking of you at this heartbreaking time. I know what you are going through and find that family and close friends help alot. Take care Helen - Posted by: Helen Stewart (Friend) on: Apr 07, 2012

• Maurice was always full of fun & life, he will be missed by all his family & extended family. Our sympathies go out to you Brenda & all the kids. Love Jayne, Gerry, Becks, Truman & Dani-Grace - Posted by: Jayne Steeves, Gerry Browne, Becks, Truman & Dani-Grace (Nephen (Gerry Browne), Niece in law (Jayne S.) & their 3 Dogs) on: Apr 06, 2012

• Such a great sportsman and fun loving guy. Maurice's love of 'cake and ice cream' were legendary. RIP Maurice. - Posted by: Jack and Betty McDowell (Friend) on: Apr 06, 2012

• Since meeting Maurice in 2008, life will never been the same. We met as professionals in the Insurance industry - we parted as dear friends. His charm and wit always left a smile on my face. His many accomplishments in his career pale in comparison to the gifts he has given humanity with his gentleness, kindness and youthful spirit. I cannot express how saddened I am in his passing but know that he is forever with us. My sincerest condolences are offered to his family. - Posted by: Karen DeCarle (Friend / Colleauge) on: Apr 06, 2012

• Our family wishes to extend our deepest condolences for your loss. We are saddened by the fact we did not get the chance to meet Maurice, but are honored to live his memories through our children Jason and Shari. - Posted by: Cathy Beier () on: Apr 06, 2012

• I first met Mo in 1992 and for the last 20 years I have been very fortunate to call him a friend. We have shared many hilarious situations on the golf course, curling and just sitting around having a cup of coffee. I admired him for many of his personal life accomplishments and for his competitiveness in any challenge placed in front of him. I was fortunate to have talked to Mo just last week and we had a great conversation. He was looking forward to his daughter's wedding and coming back out to Winnipeg for a visit with his friends here in the Peg. We had a chance to laugh about previous golf games and he always had a "shot" about how he had the best record in our annual 4 major golf tournaments played with Lefty, the Doc and myself. I will miss his friendship every day but whenever we talk about Mo, we will always have a big smile. My deepest condolences to Brenda and family. I'm sure you will have many great memories to remember. - Posted by: Terry Bialek (Friend) on: Apr 05, 2012