Gatlin C. Oakes

CORNWALL – Mr. Gatlin C. Oakes, age 55, of 3260 McConnell Ave, a native of Akwesasne, unexpectedly passed away Saturday morning at Ottawa Civic Hospital.

Gatlin was born December 28, 1957 in Cornwall, the son of Levi and the late Annabelle M. Mitchell Oakes.  He graduated from General Vanier High School and from Sheraton University in Milton, Ontario with a degree in Interprovincial Heavy Equipment Mechanics.  He was awarded for having the highest grades in the Province of Ontario.

Gatlin owned and operated the G&L Service Center on Third Street North in the Village of St. Regis since 1987.  Prior to starting his own business, he worked at the International Truck Center in Cornwall and for Mohawk Council of Akwesasne as a mechanic.   Gatlin enjoyed gardening and collecting anything antique.  But perhaps his greatest devotion was to his family.  He cherished the many vacations, dinners, and family functions they shared.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 36 years, Giselle; his daughters, Crystal Oakes (David Benedict). Kelssie Oakes (Chad Perkins), and Kourtney Oakes (Brandon Bender), all of Cornwall; and his grandchildren, Travis, Emma, and Darrel “Chubbley”.

He will also be missed by his father, Levi Oakes of Akwesasne; his siblings, Diane (Herman) Swamp of Akwesasne; Louis (Ernestine) Oakes of Akwesasne; Raymond (Brenda) Oakes of Akwesasne; Wally (Bonnie) Oakes of Cornwall; Dora Oakes of Akwesasne; Debbie Oakes (Mark O’Neill) of Akwesasne; and Joseph Oakes (Kristin Johnson) of Akwesasne; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gatlin was predeceased by a granddaughter, Annabella Oakes; his mother, Annabelle Oakes on April 18, 2012; and two brothers, Lawrence J. Oakes in 1984 and Charles T. Oakes in 1999; and a brother-in-law, Sam Garrow in 2011.

Friends may call at the G&L Service Center, Third Street North, St. Regis, beginning Tuesday 5:00 PM until 9:00 AM Thursday.  The family is requesting that a private time be shared from 9:00 AM until the time of the services.  Friends are invited to join the family at a Mass of Christian Burial for Gatlin which will be celebrated Thursday 11:00 AM at St. Regis Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

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