Obituary of Robert Warren Oakes

Robert "Bob" Oakes, born in Fresno, CA on October 5, 1954 to Richard & Natalie Oakes, passed away in Santa Cruz, CA on September 6, 2016 at the age of 61. He was a technology enthusiast and from a young age he worked with electronics which developed into a career spanning over 40 years. He worked for companies such as Logitech, Atari and lastly Apple where he was an engineering manager. He had a way with people and could put them at ease when defusing the most contentious engagements into solvable challenges and had ability to transform the most difficult situations into humorous ones. His job gave him the opportunity to live in Arizona, Oregon, Nevada as well as Penang, Malaysia and Shanghai, China. Bob was many things to many people: a devoted husband & father, boss, colleague, confidant, captain, and friend. He was that rare person who was both hilariously funny and luminously wise. He had a mischievous and contagious laugh. He was adventurous, loved traveling and the outdoors and enjoyed fly fishing, sailing, backpacking, camping and visiting his grandkids. He owned every gadget and had a tool or "app" for every job. He will be remembered for his kindness, positivity and his "Bob-isms". He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Denyse; sons, Stephen, Mark, John and David; brother, Fred; sisters, Carol Hall and Kathy Valley; 9 grandchildren, 7 nieces and 3 nephews. Private family services have been held.