Fort Kent, Maine - Gaetan L. Oakes, 58, passed away on July 3, 2025, at a Fort Kent health care facility with his family by his side. He was born in Edmundston, New Brunswick, on August 7, 1966, son of the late Camille and Rejanne (Tardif) Oakes.

He was fortunate to have two fathers, Camille Oakes and Rodrigue Oakes. Gaetan had a tremendous faith and love for his God. He went from the hands of his family to the hands of our Creator. He worked for many years as a cook at many establishments between Fort Kent and Claire until he opened his own restaurant, The Whistle Stop, which he enjoyed operating together with his wife, Carroll Ann, and all of his children. Together, they also fostered many children that they took in as their own. He enjoyed joking and laughing with all that came into contact with him. He especially loved the interactions he had with the community, and the fun times doing special events with the food trailer.

He is survived by his wife of twenty eight years, Carroll Ann (Thibodeau) Oakes of Fort Kent; six children, Joseph Oakes and his wife, Mariah, of Fort Kent, Amanda Oakes and her companion, David Severe, of Fort Kent, Josiah Oakes of Fort Kent, Alissa Oakes of Fort Kent, and Jaxxi and Skye of Fort Kent; two grandchildren, Donovan Leo Severe and Theo Jackson Oakes, both of Fort Kent; seven siblings, Jean Luc, Camillien, Real, Roland, Collette, Gaetane, and Micheline; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two siblings, Majella and Rosaire.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Assembly of God Church in Fort Kent. Relatives and friends are invited to meet the family at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Interment will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lajoie-Daigle Funeral Home. For online condolences, please visit lajoiefuneralhome.com.