Obituary of Donald Everett Oakes

Oakes, Donald Everett – Age 88 of Mahone Bay Nursing Home, passed away on March 4^th, 2025, in South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Donald was born on December 20^th, 1936, in Conquerall Bank to parents Norman and Syble Oakes. 

Donnie, as dad was called, was employed at a variety of jobs throughout his working career. Donnie started his working employment as a painter by trade and painting was something he did and enjoyed throughout his lifetime.  Donnie was later employed at Acadia Gas Engines in Bridgewater and also sailed on tankers throughout the east coast and Great Lakes. He finished his working career and retired from CFS Mill Cove as the shop foreman. Donnie was also a past member of the Conquerall Bank Fire Department where he served as Chief from 1982 to 1984. 

Dad had many likes and when came to food, ice-cream and peanuts instantly come to mind. With that said do not include onions or raisins in anything, as he could detect even the smallest amount and would slowly but surely remove them and set them aside. He enjoyed woodworking and crafted such things as bureaus, trophy cases for the grandsons, and spoon racks for his wife Libby, which only people of a certain age will know of!  Years ago, when the river froze over, he built many smelt shacks as Libby enjoyed fishing for smelts. Donnie and Libby would spend many hours just going for drives, no real destinations in mind, just out exploring back roads around Lunenburg County. He also enjoyed time with his grandsons Craig and Logan and was able to be transported via Chester Wheels to watch his great granddaughter Claire play hockey at the LCLC, truly a time that he treasured. Later in life, he enjoyed camping and he and his partner Marilyn spent some fun summers at Land of Evangeline Camping Resort in Grand-Pre. 

Left to mourn are Donald’s son, Kevin (Lillian) Oakes, of Dartmouth; grandchildren, Craig (Angela) Oakes, and Logan (Naomi) Oakes, both of Dartmouth; great-grandchildren, Claire, Taylor, and Aubrey; sister, Joan Veinotte, of Mahone Bay; the children of Marilyn, his partner, Debbie, Wendy, Tina, and Renita; and several nieces and nephews. 

Donald was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Syble; his wife Elizabeth; sisters, Margaret and Norma; brothers, George, Filmore, and Richard; and his partner Marilyn Millett. 

Cremation has taken place, and a private family interment will take place at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Conquerall Bank. A reception to celebrate the life of Donald will be held at the Conquerall Bank Fire Department, 2228 Conquerall Rd., Conquerall Bank, at 2:30pm on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or to a charity of choice. 

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgwater, where online condolences may be left at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.