Philip Anthony Oaks

Philip Anthony Oaks, 88, of Aurora, Colorado died November 13, 2009. He was born January 5, 1921. He graduated from St. Joseph High School. Phil served in the Navy and Coast Guard during WWII and the Korean War. He received two purple hearts during combat.

As a young man Phil enjoyed the Colorado mountain life. He was a member of the Colorado Mountain Club and climbed numerous 14ers. Phil was one of the first Coloradans to be a member of the National Ski Patrol and helped to build the first ski lift in Colorado (a rope tow at Berthoud Pass). After his WWII service, Phil moved to Aurora and was a member of the Aurora Volunteer Fire Department until Aurora became large enough to establish a paid Fire Department. Phil also was a 46 year member of the Elks. His business career started as an electrician and continued until he closed Consolidated Engineering, the business that he owned for 29 years. Phil was a 60 year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and a lifetime member of the National Electrical Contractors Association.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Elsie; son: Larry Oaks; daughters: Judy (Charles) Tafoya; Cindy (Murray) Booth. Grandchildren: Gabe, Isaac, Sara, Jesse and Casey and many beloved nieces and nephews.