Gordon N. Oakes, 93
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Gordon Norman Oakes, 93, of 404 Middle Road, a lifelong resident of the town, died Friday, April 13, 2012, at North Adams Commons.
Born in North Adams on Nov. 19, 1918, son of Norman G. Oakes and Helen Renton Oakes Gleason, he attended Clarksburg schools and graduated from Drury High School in 1937.
Mr. Oakes owned and operated Gleason Poultry Farm for many years, which produced eggs for local markets. He received awards for his high quality egg production from the state Department of Agriculture.
In 1962, together with Frank Field, he formed Oakes and Field Construction Co., which constructed homes in Clarksburg, North Adams, Williamstown and throughout the Berkshires and Southern Vermont. They were presented with outstanding builder awards by Heritage Homes for their high-quality construction. Mr. Oakes operated the business after Mr. Field's death until his retirement.
He enjoyed flying and was a licensed pilot with a multi-engine rating. He was a member of the Greylock Flying Club and served as a captain in the Civil Air Patrol for many years. He also was chairman of the building committee for the Clarksburg Elementary School.
His many friends and neighbors will remember Mr. Oakes on his riding mower as he maintained his beautiful lawn at the corner of Middle and Cross roads. He was often wearing his Boston Celtics hat celebrating his and his wife's passion for the team.
His wife, the former Margery Derven, whom he married in 1940, died on May 13, 2006.
He leaves a son, Gordon N. Oakes Jr. and his wife, Pam, of South Deerfield; a daughter, Sylvia Cullington of Concord; three grandsons, Kevin Oakes and his wife, Kim, of Medina, Wash., Brian Oakes of Easthampton and Timothy Oakes and his wife, Lesley, of New London, Pa.; great-grandchildren, Truman, Ashley and Audrey Oakes of the state of Washington and Katie, Shannon, and TJ Oakes of Pennsylvania, and nieces and nephews.
His son-in-law, David Cullington, and his sister, Zane Wilson, are deceased.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Services for Mr. Oakes will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Clarksburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Department in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247.