Peter L.A. Oakes

Through the life he lived each day, Peter Oakes inspired so many around him. He was an encourager and lifelong teacher who taught others so much more than the knowledge contained in books as he also exemplified what it means to be an honest man of honor and unconditional love for those around him. Peter had a heart that beat to help the less fortunate and was a humble man of great courage who never let life get the best of him. We will miss him dearly, but hold his memory near and dear to our hearts. As the thirties dawned in America we braced ourselves for what became some of the most trying days our nation has ever seen due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. At its peak the unemployment rate soared over 25 percent, leaving people willing to do whatever they could to weather the storm. As an example of the caring family Peter was born into, Ellery & Elizabeth brought under their roof Grampa George, an uncle, a family friend & a teenage girl to act as Nanny to make sure she had a job and could help support her family. Despite the circumstances around them an active family from Manistee, Michigan, was eager to meet their newborn baby. Their wait was over on September 21, 1931, when the baby they named Peter made his arrival. He was the youngest of three children born to his parents, Ellery and Elizabeth Betty (Young) Oakes, and he was raised in the family home alongside his older brothers, John and Jim. Peters father was a doctor while his mother was a busy homemaker with a bustling brood of boys to keep her busy. In many ways Peter experienced an upbringing that was reflective of his generation. He was a bit stubborn and shy, and he loved going to the beach. Peters constant companion as a young boy was his Springer Spaniel, Danny, and he was a member of the Boy Scouts. Although his family was very sports minded he never really got into sports much, but he was very good on the trampoline and broke his leg playing football on one occasion. As a student Peter attended Manistee Elementary School and went on to Manistee High School where he was a member of the trampoline team. He was also a member of the Manistee Recreation Association and always had a great time attending their functions like dances and parties. Peter was also a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. After graduating from high school in 1949 Peter went on to Albion College. It was just a few years later in 1952 when he joined the United States Army and served in intelligence in Frankfort, Germany. New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Peter when he met the young woman who stole his heart in December of 1955. Her name was Mary Hult, and they met at Schulers restaurant in Marshall, Michigan. It was love at first sight, and after falling deeply in love Peter married his sweetheart on December 22, 1956, at the home of Marys mother in Albion. Peter and Mary transferred to the University of Michigan, and as newlyweds they both graduated from college in January of 1959. Shortly after they graduated they both got their first teaching jobs at Pennfield Public Schools in Battle Creek. It was around this same time that they purchased their first home in Battle Creek, Michigan. In 1960, Peter, Mary and their newborn son, Jon, moved to North Muskegon. The couple was thrilled to become the parents of three wonderful children: Jon in 1960, Liz in 1962, and Katie in 1963. The family enjoyed spending time together and made priceless memories on family vacations to places like Colorado, Tennessee, and camping in Canada. The Oakes family also spent their spring break visiting friends in Ohio each year. Much like this parents, Peters notion of family included many people who joined the family over the years, like Pat, the familys French exchange student. Throughout his life Peter was always one to keep busy. He taught math at Bunker Junior High for a time and soon began teaching at Muskegon High School. He was apart of an innovative educational program at Muskegon High School, where he was a team teacher for an accelerated educational program before settling in at Muskegon Community College in 1969. Peters career at the college spanned more that 25 years before he retired in 1995. He was also a leader with the Boy Scouts during the 1970s, and as someone who always enjoyed building projects he built their new home on Park Drive in Muskegon in 1988. Computers were Peters vocation, avocation and hobby. His second love was cars, which he restored and enjoyed. He was also an avid reader who loved the outdoors. Faith was an important part of Peters life throughout his entire journey. He always had a gentle heart for the less fortunate and was actively involved with Missions for Area People. Peter experienced a spiritual awakening on an Emmaus Walk in 1994, which deeply impacted the rest of his life. His personal devotions of reading scripture were a cornerstone in his life, providing him with the strength, perspective, and joy he needed each and every day. Just before Christmas this past year life became more difficult for Peter and his loved ones as a steady decline in his health began. He suffered with Alzheimers disease, cancer, and had heart trouble as well. Peter was surrounded by his loving family as he drew his last breath. Peter was an extraordinary man in so many ways. He was a hard worker with a keen eye for detail who persevered through whatever life brought, and he was someone who was highly organized and intelligent, too. Peter had a heart of gold and was overly generous to those in need as he freely gave unconditional love to everyone he met. Peter won people over with his smile and gentle spirit. While he was rather quiet, he was always available with a listening ear. Peter won people over with his smile. We will miss Peter deeply, but his memory will remain a lasting treasure in our hearts for years to come. Peter L. A. Oakes died on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Peters family includes his wife, Mary; son, Jon (Endora King-Shay) Oakes of San Francisco, CA; daughters, Liz (Keith) Krol and Katie (Brad) Cotton, both of Muskegon; grandchildren, Sarah, Heather, Ben, Abby and Nate; 2 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Peter was preceded in death by his brothers, John and James. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 27, 2012, 4:00 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church with Pastor Diane Gordon officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Central United Methodist Church, Missions For Area People, Hackley Public Library. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.