William George Oakes

AKWESASNE – Mr. William George Oakes, age 66, of 68 James E. Lazore Memorial Road, peacefully passed away early Friday morning, July 8, 2011 at Tsiionkwanonhso:te, Cornwall Island Long Term Care Facility, where he had been a resident for the past year. George had been in failing health for the past seven years.

He was born October 8, 1944 in Cornwall, the son of William and Monique Skidders Oakes. He attended General Vanier School and various trade and computer schools. On April 15, 1964, he enlisted in the US Navy, where he served until being discharged honorably on August 2, 1968. While in the Navy, he became a trained electrician. He married Edith M. Tarbell on April 1, 2000 in Hogansburg.

George was an ironworker with Local #440 in Utica for many years, until becoming disabled in 2005. He was a communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church and a former member of the Andrew W. Cook American Legion Post #1479. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and any activity that allowed him to be on the river. He truly loved spending time with his granddaughters.

George is survived by his wife, Edith; his two daughters, Lindsay Tarbell and Stephanie Oakes, both of Akwesasne; his three granddaughters, Destiny and Sianna Gabriel and Ryla Oakes; his sister, Ida Ransom of Akwesasne; and his brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Lucy Oakes of Florida; his nieces and nephews, Terri Lee Hill, Jerry Ransom, and Kimberly Herne.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends called at the Akwesasne Homemakers beginning Sunday, July 10, 2011 until a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at the St. Regis Catholic Church. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hogansburg.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Canadian Heart Association or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where condolences may be made online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.