Richard “Dick” Byron Oakley passed away August 13 ^th , 2024 after a short illness with cancer. He was surrounded by family in the days and hours before his death and we are comforted that he is no longer in pain. In the months leading up to his illness, he enjoyed his favorite things including daily lap swims, golf games, spotting vanity license plates, sneaking M&Ms, and the California sunshine.

Richard was born December 6 ^th , 1946 in Grand Rapids, MI to the late Eleanor and Frank Oakley where he grew up alongside his siblings George and Trisha, ultimately graduating from Groves High School in Birmingham, MI. He attended Michigan State University where he majored in zoology, was a member of the swim team, and the Delta Chi fraternity. A long career in sales eventually brought him to southern California where he met his late wife Gail Comstock Oakley. They were married for 25 years and enjoyed supporting the arts, skiing in Utah, and traveling together.

Richard had a strong sense of service to his community. He served his country as a member of the Army Reserve National Guard and for the past 15 years was a volunteer with the Orange County Trauma Intervention program, helping people through moments of crisis at all hours of the day and night. He served in various roles within the Rancho Santa Margarita community and throughout his life as a member of the Mayflower Congregational church (Grand Rapids, MI) and Trabuco Presbyterian and Presbyterian Church of the Master (Orange County, CA). He was a very proud father to his daughter Brooke and grandfather to Keegan and Emily.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife Gail Comstock Oakley, mother Eleanor Oakley Dunn, and father Frank Oakley. He is survived by his daughter Brooke Oakley Cherven (Chris) of Decatur, GA and two young grandchildren Keegan James and Emily Oakley Cherven; brother George Oakley (Alice) of Cedar Key, FL; sister Trisha Dunn (Tom) of Commerce Township MI; sister-in-law Lynn Barnhart (Chris) of Seattle, WA; and close companion Anne Braden of Mission Viejo, CA. He will be remembered by his nieces, nephews, and many friends. Details regarding a celebration of life service will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Leonard Cancer Institute at Providence Mission Hospital ( https://supportmissionhospital.org/giving-opportunities/leonard-cancer-institute/ ) where both he and his late wife received excellent care or Camp Sunshine ( www.mycampsunshine.com ) an organization supporting children with cancer and their families where his daughter has been a long-time volunteer.