Robert B. Oakes

Robert B. Oakes

Gill, MA — Robert B. Oakes, 84, passed peacefully Friday July 30,2021 while at his home in Gill, with the care and support of his family.

Robert had a curious soul, connecting to people and hobbies of intrigue. He had a deep appreciation for integrity, wit, humor, nature and sport. A day well spent would be one in which he searched for minerals and fossils or read a non-fiction book on the porch, gazing out onto the Connecticut River and perhaps chatting with family about history, geography or the intricacies of weather systems. He was a nationally ranked competitive skier and table tennis player, pushing himself in all his athletic endeavors. He was a fearless and eager world explorer - whether that was travelling Europe by motorcycle (or kayak!), flying over the Siberian tundra or hiking throughout the American wilderness for weeks on end. On his greatest adventure, he found himself stranded on a sinking fishing vessel in the Gulf of Mexico during a hurricane, abandoned by the captain and hanging on for 6 days at sea until rescued by the Coast Guard. Above all else, he loved nature and its greatness.

A Gill native, Robert graduated from Concord Massachusetts High School. He then enlisted in the Air Force, serving 4 years in Germany as an Air Traffic Controller. He graduated from the University of South Florida with Honors. His career started in Florida as a land conservationist for public beaches and parks. He eventually moved back to Massachusetts, working as a Principal Planner for 25 years in the City of Springfield Planning Department on projects such as the original Basketball Hall of Fame.

Robert was predeceased by his father Frederick, mother Elinor and brother Frederick Oakes. Married for 60 years, he is survived by his wife Judy, his children Eugene, Jeff, Linda and Maureen, 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and a circle of family and close friends that love him and will miss him greatly.

At Robert's request, no services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanski.com