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Christopher Oaks Obituary
September 2, 1946 - April 30, 2024
Christopher Norman Oaks, born in San Jose on September 2, 1946, passed away at the age of 77, at his Petaluma home of 52 years on April 30, 2024. The son of a Methodist minister, his family moved every few years according to his father's assignments in the greater Bay Area.
Chris earned his BA from Sonoma State University. His career goal was "to live a good life," anchored by his wife (of 56 years), family, home and beloved cabin in the woods. A man of diverse talents, he worked as a telephone lineman, mechanic, hot air balloon pilot, co-founder of Sonoma County Airport Express, cook, food service manager, vet tech and general contractor.
As a lifelong, enthusiastic volunteer for many causes, Chris lived to serve others. On the Board of Directors of Global Partners for Development, he evaluated water, school and clinic building projects in East Africa, and in 1982, co-managed the Transcontinental Relay to End World Hunger. Most recently he served on the Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury. Self-taught, avid and skilled, he shared his love of dance with countless others.
Chris is survived by wife Susan, daughter Alexandra "Sasha" Oaks, granddaughter Erin Oaks, and his four siblings, Rebecca Stadtner, Jennifer Terrell, Stephanie (Jimmy) Marshall, and Gabriel (Lillian) Oaks, all of the North Bay area. Much loved by family and friends, he will be profoundly missed.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life Open House, June 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at his home. Donations in Chris' memory can be made to Providence Hospice of Petaluma or Global Partners for Development.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Oaks
5 Entries
Oscar D. Ventanilla, DDS
May 20, 2024
Our sincere condolences to Susan and the rest of Chris's family. He will be missed.
Bette Smith
May 14, 2024
I attend Sue's exercise class on zoom with Chris by her side. Sue is very fit, and I'm more like Chris, a little slower yet determined. So I would follow Chris's movements because if I tried to keep up with Sue I would suffer the next day. Just found out another thing Chris and I have in common - we are both Virgos. I knew I liked him.
Sending loving condolences to you, Sue and your family.
Julie Myers
May 14, 2024
I am in Sue's SRJC Zoom fitness class and I was always impressed that Chris would show up every class and exercise in his own special casual style next to Sue. That laid back way he exercised always tickled me and put a smile on my face. He was a great guy and I will miss his participation and music trivia info.
Golda Michelson
May 13, 2024
Hung out at the cabin
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Joan Bordow
May 13, 2024
When you look up the definition of the word "chill" in the dictionary, as in "laid back, relaxed, calm," Chris's photo is there. I have seen Chris glide through situations which most other people would consider to be stressful. He was a joy to be with.
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