GEORGE STANLEY OAKES

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GEORGE STANLEY OAKES On Thursday, September 18, 2003, with his loving wife Heather at his side, George passed away at the age of 50 years. George was born in Pine Falls, MB, eldest son of Stan and Irene. He spent his early years fishing and trapping with his Dad and brother. He learned well and developed into a fine trapper who excelled in preparing fur. His mother was his greatest ally and a great source of strength. Her boys could do no wrong. At an early age, George developed an interest in aviation, probably as a result of many hours spent with his Dad watching the planes at the Winnipeg Airport and on the Winnipeg River. He was determined to learn to fly and at age 17 he had earned his Commercial License; at age 18 he landed his first job flying float planes in Sioux Lookout. He would then go on to fly various aircraft out of Winnipeg, The Pas, Norway House, Lac du Bonnet, Churchill, Thompson and Hay River. In his later years based overseas in Bahrain he flew Boeing 757s and 767s to many destinations - from London, Australia, Germany, India, Iraq, Africa and everywhere in between. While living in the Gulf, he developed an interest at woodworking and applied the same determination and attention to detail here as he did to flying, becoming a gifted craftsman. George had an infectious zest for life and an ability to develop lifelong friendships. He loved having company and entertaining. Nothing made him happier than telling a good story teasing someone, especially his wife Heather, and laughing. George especially appreciated and loved his mother-in-law Pat who spent countless hours driving him to Winnipeg for appointments and caring for him. He was extremely proud of his children and loved them dearly, although at times he had difficulty expressing it in words. His two grandsons gave him the gift of pure joy. Heather and Georges love for each other was deep and steadfast. George leaves to celebrate his life, his wife Heather, and their children, Rebecca, Edward, and Sam; Paul (Val), Genevieve (Mark), David and their mother Lucille and her son Colin. His beloved grandchildren, George and Tomas. His brother Robbie (Janice), nephews, Billy and Michael Oakes; mother and father-in-law, Pat and Keith Moon; brothers-in-law, Edward (Ruth) Moon, niece Brittany and Michael (Jodie) Moon, nephews, Michael, Daryl, niece Bobbie, aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, at 1:30 p.m., September 24 at the Great Falls Hall in Great Falls, MB with Jim Solomon officiating. Interment to follow at the Lac du Bonnet Cemetery. Active pallbearers are Gary Oakes, Paul Oakes, David Oakes, Billy Oakes, Michael Oakes and Kim Sharpe. Honorary Pallbearers are Dave Rosser, Art Gaffray, Raimo Kujala, Edward Moon, Ian Hunt, Damo Mullane and Karl Gugenheimer. In lieu of flowers if friends so desire, donations in Georges memory may be made to the Sunnywood Manor Personal Care Home in Pine Falls, or to the Canadian Cancer Society. Sobering Funeral Chapel & Crematorium in care of arrangements 268-3510 or 1-877-776-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 22, 2003