David Stephen “Steve” Oaks B.Sc., B.Eng., MBA

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Steve Oaks (89, born Dec 5, 1932), loving husband of Monique (née Dugal), cherished Papa of Michèle and Phil (Shannon), and adored Dad-O of Ryan, Kristen and Benny. Steve died peacefully at the St Patrick's Home of Ottawa on July 27, 2022.

He was born in Sioux Lookout on December 5, 1932 and gained his sense of adventure from his parents Harold Anthony “Doc” Oaks and Bernice Oaks (née Farlinger), both of whom were pioneers in the aviation industry.  He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Ann and his brother Rick. He will be sadly missed by his wife Monique whom he lovingly called “Mico”, his children, grandchildren, brother Tony, sister-in-law Lise Dugal, brother-in-law Michel Dugal (Jocelyne) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Steve studied at Royal Roads, RMC Class of '56, UBC (engineering degree) and Queens University (MBA). 

Steve‘s successful career is highlighted by 29 years at IBM as Manager of the Field Support Centre and as a Consulting Systems Engineer where he worked on various challenging  and complex projects. He was the recipient of two Outstanding Contribution Awards and was a mentor to many colleagues. He subsequently joined DMR as Associate Director and then formed his own consulting company.

Steve was known at Royal Roads and RMC as an exceptional athlete playing football, basketball and hockey, as well as boxing at the Inter-Military Colleges annual sports competition. At RMC, Steve said his passion was to run and, as a result, left most of his buddies in his dust. Hence the name they gave him “Speedy Stevie”! Later, he took up windsurfing, and was an avid squash and tennis player. He also really loved playing bridge especially with the RMC crowd. In addition, Steve was a Past President of the RMC Club of Ottawa.

Steve was very fond of travelling with his family, in particular, his many winter getaways in Mexico where he enjoyed the warm air of the ocean and the joie de vivre of the kind-hearted Mexican people. In addition, he loved going to the cottage at Lac Rhéaume being Papa and Dad-O and cherished his time with family and friends whether to windsurf, captain the party boat, or as the gifted chef he was, cook the traditional Thanksgiving turkey.  

Stevie/Papa/Dad-O, your warmth, beautiful and mischievous smile, twinkle in your eyes, kind heart, and sense of humour will be greatly missed by your Mico and all of  your family and friends, as well as your classmates from RMC, Royal Roads, colleagues from IBM and tennis friends from the Ottawa Athletic Club.

The family wishes to thank the incredible staff at St. Patrick's Home of Ottawa, his long-time caregiver Macrina Deananeas, the staff at Abbotsford House, and all who provided loving support, care, and friendship to Steve over the last few years.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Steve's life on Friday September 16, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood  Avenue, Ottawa, followed by a reception. Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 15 from 6-8 p.m. Meanwhile we are grateful for your prayers.

Donations to the RMC Foundation, the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa, the Canadian Cancer Society or the St.Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation, would be gratefully appreciated.

Or, if you so wish, you could plant a tree in memory of Steve. To plant a tree, see https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/plant-a-tree-canada or https://beechwoodottawa.ca/en/foundation/horticultural-and-green-programs/tribute-tree-program.