Obituary of Larry Herbert Oakes

Larry Herbert Oakes of St. Marys passed peacefully at University Hospital in London, Ontario on April 15, 2024, surrounded by family. He was 84.

Born June 4, 1939, to Herbert and Lexena Oakes of Lakeside, Larry spent his childhood on the family farm with his younger brother, Ray Dennis Oakes. He met Reta Mae Clark as a teenager. They married three years later, on September 5, 1959, and welcomed four children in five years.

Larry was a highly skilled and respected farmer who ran a large beef cattle and cash crop operation in Lakeside while also working fulltime at the cement plant, Lafarge Woodstock. He later worked as a millwright at Shur-Gain (St. Marys) and as a maintenance worker/groundskeeper for the Town of St. Marys.

A country boy at heart, Larry loved and respected the outdoors while boating, fishing, ATVing, chopping wood, maintaining his equipment, doing yard work, feeding the birds and vegetable gardening. He kept his yard, shed and truck in pristine condition and did his part to ensure Canadian Tire stayed in business. Larry was a big fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and loved social gatherings. For years, he spent summer holidays in Lion’s Head, visiting friends and enjoying his boat and ATV. And in the winter, Larry was a true Canadian who kept his neighbours’ driveways clear of snow and grumbled about the Leafs – while never missing a game.

Larry will be remembered as a hardworking, humble and caring provider and family man with a quick wit, great sense of humour and heart of gold. 

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Reta (Clark) Oakes; children Janey Oakes, Jeff Oakes, Sandra Oakes and Michael Oakes (Donna); grandchildren Joshua Fitzpatrick, Tina Fitzpatrick (Justin), Gabe Luffman, Ashley (Petrie) McCrorie (Sean), Brett Petrie (Brittany), Chad Petrie (Shania), Aaron Oakes and Cody Oakes; eight great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.

A private interment will be held for immediate family.

Share your memories of Larry on his tribute wall. 

Donations in Larry’s memory can be made to the

Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario
5420 Hwy 6 North, Guelph, ON, N1H 6J2

Click here to donate