Carl William Oake

OAKE, Carl William 

He was one of a kind.

Peacefully with his family by his side at Hospice Peterborough on Thursday January 2, 2025 in his 80th year.  Beloved husband of Tana (née Nichols) for 55 years.  Son of the late Charles Oake and Pearl (nee Morrison) Oake and son-in-law of the late Calvin Nichols and Matilda (Nee Miccolli) Nichols. Loving father of Vanessa and her husband Ainslie Hogan, David Oake, Renée Oake and Lesley Oake.  Cherished grandfather of Oscar, Harrison, Mackenzie and Calvin.  Dear brother of Ken Oake and his wife Linda, Kevin Oake, and Keith Oake and his wife Liana. Loved and adored by his nieces and nephews.  

Carl was born in Cape Breton where he built many happy memories and always spoke happily about his strong East Coast roots. If you were to meet him for the first time, and you were from the east coast, he would do his best to find some connection with you. 

He was an entrepreneur from a very young age. By the age of 10, he was setting rabbit snares at night. He would then wake early every morning to check his snares before school. With the help of his mother Pearl, one of his biggest fans, he built a relationship with the local butcher and would sell the rabbits he caught. Sales were in his blood. So were his personal relationships. Carl loved people.  

When Carl was 15 he and his family moved to Peterborough. He attended Adam Scott Collegiate. He worked at the local Dominion, Smith and Smith Drugs and HJ Heinz Company who all had hoped he would stay on and grow with the company. They recognized a strong employee with leadership qualities. He ventured down these paths but changed course, setting his sights on a career in real estate. 

He was licensed at 21 and started with Rishor Barnes Dietrich. In August of ‘73 he decided to branch out on his own and partnered with Bernie Wannamaker to open Oake Wannamaker Limited. 5 years later, Century 21 Canada came calling. He decided to move forward with the franchise that offered training, support and a strong household name. Century 21 Carl Oake was born. 

Through various acquisitions and mergers, the company changed its name to Century 21 United Realty. 

Carl’s numerous accomplishments and awards included:

President of the Peterborough Real Estate Board

President of the Men’s Sales and Advertising Club

Director of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Peterborough 

YMCA and the Peterborough Golf and Country Club

Served on the strategic planning committee for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre

Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Inductee

Pathway of Fame Award

Paul Harris Award

Lifetime Achievement Award (Peterborough Civic Awards) 

Senior Male Athlete of the Year Award

One of Carl’s biggest achievements was the Carl Oake Rotary Swim. Running since 1987, the swim has raised more than $1.4 million for local causes.

Carl had a love of the outdoors and had many hobbies. Christmas trees, raising rabbits and chickens to name a few. He really didn’t like to sit still. He had a keen interest in learning new things.

Carl naturally impressed upon all of us the importance of family. He loved spending time together and would be happiest when we were all under one roof, enjoying Mom’s Sunday pasta dinner.

As driven and motivated as Carl was, it all came down to the simple things in life. Sunrise, coffee, exercise, hard work, time spent with family, friends and good conversations. He lived life to the limit and always with a positive attitude, a warm smile and a magnetic personality.  We will miss him dearly and are so grateful to have had him in our lives. His legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren. 

Friends will be received at the HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE 2510 Bensfort Rd on Saturday from 7:00-9:00 PM. There will be a Celebration of Carl’s Life held at the HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE, 2510 Bensfort Rd., Peterborough on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM.  Reception to follow.  In memory of Carl, donations to the Carl Oake Rotary Swim can be made at     https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/2025-carl-oake-rotary-swim/

or cheques can be dropped off to Century 21 United Realty at 387 George St. South. Donations also appreciated to PRHC and Hospice Peterborough. 

The family would like to thank the staff, nurses and doctors at PRHC and Hospice Peterborough for their compassionate care.

Online condolences may be made at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com

For livestreaming of the service, please click here.