David Robert Oakes was born in La Mesa, California on July 19th, 1987. He passed away from complications related to glioblastoma brain cancer in his childhood home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 31 on November 27th, 2018.

David is a beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson, great-grandson, friend, leader and mentor to countless others.

As a child David exhibited an easy nature, a kind heart and sensitive spirit. He made friends wherever he went and brought much joy to his family as the oldest of four children. He enjoyed baseball, swimming, soccer, boy scouts, music, camping, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and serving in leadership positions throughout his youth in church, school and community service opportunities.

As a young man David earned his Eagle Scout, developed a love for endurance running, choral performance, playing the saxophone and ukulele and participated in academic decathlon competitions.

He served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Rancagua, Chile where teaching, serving and loving the humble people he encountered came easily to his Christ-like heart. Having developed a love of Latin America, he later led groups of youth in humanitarian service projects in Perú and México.

He graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Spanish and a certificate in Global Marketing and participated on championship intramural sports teams and developed his talents in video production and marketing which later took him on many adventures. He assisted several companies in launching successful kickstarter campaigns and co-produced a fan-funded film entitled Hans Solo: A Smuggler’s Trade that was a huge hit on YouTube.

David’s adventures took him across the globe where he ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain; journeyed to the Petra Ruins in Jordan; climbed Machu Picchu in the Andean mountains of Perú; visited the Mayan pyramids of the Yucatan peninsula in México; explored the Iguazú falls bordering Argentina and Brazil; walked the streets of Paris, France; enjoyed picturesque Denmark; toured Saint Petersburg, Russia; snorkeled with sea turtles in Hawaii; competed in triathlons; jumped out of airplanes; backpacked countless mountain ranges including Mt. Whitney; scored 200+ bowling; went boating, wakeboarding, surfing, snowboarding; cycled; camped in countless national parks; ate dinner with Bedouin Sheikhs in the Middle East; got a fish pedicure in Thailand; trekked across nearly all fifty states; and visited the garden tomb of Jesus in Jerusalem.

David lived a full and adventurous life with a love for all people, and held no grudges. He more than accepted others, looked for ways to make himself a part of people’s lives, especially those in need of a helping hand, a comforting hug or an encouraging word. His quick wit and engaging ways easily attracted people from all walks of life. His excellence in business and marketing opened new avenues for many, including both of his parents who own businesses. Their success has in large part been due to his consulting, business skills, and continuous support.

His life encompassed many adventures, great accomplishments, a multitude of talents, and dreams of things still to achieve. Yet there is no doubt that what was most important to him was his unwavering faith in God and his relationship with his Savior Jesus Christ, his family and his countless friends. He treasured the gospel of Jesus Christ and these relationships more than any earthly adventure or material possession.

Anyone who knows David knows there are no words that do justice to the life he lived, the kindness he freely gave, the service he rendered, the talents he shared, the adventures he enjoyed, the faith he demonstrated, the humor, optimism and positivity he emanated, the righteousness he exemplified, the lives he touched and the hearts he changed.

His legacy is one of zest for life, courage in the face of great adversity, facing both the trials and the joys with optimism and gratitude, and exhibiting Christ-like charity. His influence has had a truly unquantifiable impact on lives of those who he touched across state lines, oceans, borders, countries, languages and cultures.

David is survived by his loving parents, Robert and Nancy Oakes, his siblings: James (Brittany), Kathryn and Steven Oakes as well as his cherished nephew Tanner, sweet niece Madison and beloved service dog, Midas.