NATHAN J. OAKES

Due to heart failure, Nathan J. “Whitey” Oakes died in his sleep Sept. 23, 2008 at his Big Lake home. He was 77. The family memorial service will be private.

Born in Mill Hall, Penn., on April 28, 1931, Oakes first came to Alaska in 1948 while serving in the Army. Within four months after his honorable discharge he returned to Anchorage and married his military sweetheart, Muriel Ann Olson. They were married on June 9, 1950. Fifty-eight years later their children, Debra (Hannah), Nathan (Red), Tim and Terri have blessed them with 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Providing for his family was a primary concern. Oakes’ employment journey began with Barrett & Lesh Food Center, Matanuska Dairy on Fourth Avenue, Bob Tuttle Construction, Grocery Supply and Produce Wholesale. He managed Produce Wholesale for 40 years while working with his best friend and boss Jeff Hern.

As a father, he set the example of how to work hard to his children in addition to everyone around him.

“From the benefits of his diligence he gave his children above and beyond whatever was needed to aid in their success,” his family wrote. “To his friends and neighbors he shared all he had rather it be monetary or moving furniture via a semi-van across states. His example continues to live on through his children and their children.”

When the work finished, the play began. He loved driving his boat around Big Lake. He taught all his children how to water ski. Other activities included dancing with Muriel, having a Bud and chatting with friends at the lodge.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father Ethel and Nathan J. Oakes. Surviving members are his wife, Muriel, and their children. His brothers Clarence and Glenn and his sister Evelyn Winner reside in Mill Hall, Penn.