Donald Timothy Oaks
June 10, 1949-July 7, 2012
Half Moon Bay, California
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Donald Timothy Oaks died peacefully at home with his life partner Jan Engel at his side, July 7, 2012. He was 63 years old.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Don grew up in Los Trancos Woods and Vista Verde, where he attended Portola School and Woodside High School. He loved hiking and exploring the local hills. Don was an acolyte at Christ Church in Portola Valley and was active in the Portola 4H club raising livestock and studying forestry.

Don got the opportunity to work in partnership with the California Forestry Service growing trees for their test plots. After high school, Don served in the Army stationed in Alaska as a chaplain’s assistant.

Following his early interest in forestry and plants, Don studied at San Luis Obispo State University earning a degree in horticulture. Don worked in Half Moon Bay and lived there with his partner Jan Engel.

He worked in several nurseries on the coast. In his free time, Don loved exploring wild areas and he and Jan took many trips to Mexico and the mountains and desert of the west.

Donald is preceded in death by his father Norman Oaks. He is survived by his mother Beverly Oaks, sisters Patricia (Bill) Naylor, Marilyn (David) Smith and Virginia Oaks, as well as his nieces and nephew and many wonderful friends.

Don’s lively wit, intellect and great jokes will be remembered and cherished by his family and friends.

Tags: veteran