Oakes, Real J. Oakes, Sr., 61, of Fort Fairfield, died September 23, 2007 in Fort Fairfield. Arrangements in the care of Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home in Fort Fairfield.
Fort Fairfield – Real J. Oakes Sr., 61, husband of Rita (Guimond) Oakes, died unexpectedly Sunday morning, September 23, 2007 in Fort Fairfield, while doing what he loved most, enjoying nature with his grandson, Brandon. He was born August 13, 1946 in Connors, New Brunswick, Canada, the son of Lucien E. and Fleaur-ange Oakes.
He attended Connors, N.B. schools and was married to Rita Guimond on August 13, 1966. He had been employed by Columbia Forest Products, Presque Isle for over twenty-four years in various capacities, most recently as a licensed scaler. Real was a devoted communicant of the St. Denis Catholic Church, Fort Fairfield, where he served on the Church Life Committee. He was a 4th degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Council Number 1753, Fort Fairfield for over twenty-five years. He was also a member of the Fort Fairfield Rifle and Pistol Club and the Star City ATV Club, Presque Isle. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his parents, Real was predeceased by two brothers, Ivon and Ronald Oakes. He is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Mrs. Rita Oakes of Fort Fairfield; two sons, Daniel R. Oakes and his wife Manon of Frenchville, Real J. Oakes, Jr. of Presque Isle; seven brothers, O’Neil Oakes and his wife Mary-Jane, Roderick Oakes, Armand Oakes, all of Connors, N.B., Euclide Oakes, Paul and Kathy Oakes, all of Plainville, CT; Morris Oakes and his wife Ann Marie of Connors, N.B., Jack Oakes of Colorado; one sister, Bernadette Lloyd and her husband Frank of New Britain, CT; seven grandchildren, Brandon Oakes of Presque Isle, Megan, Nathan, Niki, Natalie, Andrew and Adam Oakes, all of Frenchville; numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends called Tuesday, September 25, 2007 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield, where a vigil prayer was conducted at 7:30 p.m. by the Rev. David Raymond. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Denis Catholic Church, 147 Main Street, Fort Fairfield with the Rev. Jean-Paul Labrie celebrant. Interment took place at St. Denis Catholic Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 260 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. Oakes to the St. Denis Memorial Fund, 147 Main Street, Fort Fairfield, 04742.
