Peter Oakes

Family-Placed Obituary


OAKES, Peter M. Those who met him could never forget. That short, balding chap from Britain. That deep resonant baritone, that charming accent, and that eloquent phrase he would turn "just so." Peter Maurice Oakes died peacefully at home early Saturday morning at the age of 77. His wife of 45 years, Maria, was at his side. He was born near the Bow Bells of London in Edmonton, England, the son of Percival William Oakes and Matilda Beatrice Dennis on May 10, 1929. They later moved to Devonshire, in the town of Plymouth, where he was raised. The moment he became eligible, he dutifully enlisted in the British Army after the end of WWII, and served as a warrant officer with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, an armored regiment based in Scotland. So skilled as a tank driver was he, that he was tasked as an instructor. After deployment to then-West Germany, he met Maria, a Dutch nurse who had arrived in Plymouth to enhance her medical training, in 1958. Like many of us, she could not resist his charm, and they were married in 1961. In 1968, Peter and Maria and their three girls immigrated to America and settled in Florida, where he entered and successfully grew an import lumber business, Timber Frames Inc. Upon retiring in 1994, Peter and Maria moved from Lake Worth, Florida to Hamilton, where he became active in many charitable, social, and hobby groups. Peter was an avid craftsman, and always had a project or two in the works, namely one of his elaborate, signature birdhouses. He constantly sought mental challenges, and enjoyed creating a good riddle as much or more than solving one. He was a model-railroading devotee, and built an expansive scale layout in their first Hamilton home. He was also active in the local chapter of the National Model Railroading Association, and made many friends at sanctioned events. Peter was a member of Roundtable, and very much enjoyed the spirited exchanges he found at meetings. He volunteered with United Way of Butler County, Hamilton Hospitality, and Meals on Wheels, and was an advocate for both the Butler County Animal Shelter and his staunch anti-smoking campaign efforts, particularly aimed at young students. Peter was also a very active and enthusiastic member of Rotary International, and perhaps the opus from his workshop was a commencement bell that he crafted and donated to the group. Peter is survived by his wife, Maria. He also leaves his three dear daughters, Joanne (Jim Scott) of Hamilton, Caroline (GeertJan Sijtema) of Alkmaar, Holland, and Pamela Klemm of Dacula, Georgia, and his gaggle of grandchildren, Maria Scott 20, James Scott 18, Megan Scott 17, Jordan Sijtema 7, Arjan Sijtema 5, Jake Klemm 6 and Avery Klemm 4. A gathering where tea will be served to family and friends will be held on Tuesday, December 12 at Webb Noonan Funeral Home, Ross Ave. at South "D" Street, from 5 to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hamilton Rotary International 5830 Happy Ct. Hamilton, Ohio 45011 in Peter's memory. www.webb-noonan.com