Obituary: Oakes, Andrew Martin

OAKES,
Andrew Martin
(Age 34)

Born to Dean and Darlene Oakes in Torrance, California on February 16, 1978, Andy passed away in Spokane County, on August 25, 2012, as the result of a construction accident.

Soon after birth in 1978, Andy began a road trip and adventure that lasted his whole life.

Andy spent most of his early childhood time in the front of a Koffler driftboat on the Rogue and McKenzie Rivers of Oregon.

Andy’s first nickname was Whitewater Andy.

He loved the rapids, the more ‘rapidy’, the louder the laughing and yelling.

Andy would never lose his love of the big water and the open sea.

Those who knew him knew his laugh, an affirmation of his energetic love of life.

Andy had many unique gifts; kids and animals of all kinds approached him unafraid and with a smile hoping for a hug or a pet from the time he was little.

Andy was a hard worker, a journeyman union ironworker and certified welder on the East Coast, a long line fisherman in Alaska, and worked concrete and as a framer in the Spokane area.

Andy enjoyed the camaraderie he shared with his fellow workers and was happiest at work.
Andy has two children, Holly Jayne and Hunter Dean, the lights of his life.

His goal in life was to love and provide for them as their father.

Andy is also survived by his grandparents, parents, his brother Todd and his wife, Sharon, their children Cali and Chad, and brother Reggie and his wife, Marya, and their children Summer, Eugene and Conrad and many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family from Boston to Maui.

If Andy were here today, he would thank all of you who selflessly helped him and saw him as the real person he was.

Andy left with no pain; a sober Christian with hope in his heart.

A good man, who knew that a good person simply does the right thing, we will miss him, his crushing hugs and rowdy laugh.

We love you Andy, forever.
A memorial service will be held September 7, 2012, 6:30 PM at Eastpoint Church, 15303 East Sprague, Spokane Valley.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to his children’s education can be made C/O Andrew M. Oakes Memorial Fund at any STCU location.
COMMUNITY CREMATION SERVICE SPOKANE VALLEY
13127 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley, WA 99216 509-926-2020
On-line guestbook at: www.CommunityCremationService.com