William A. Oakes
(January 3, 1934–April 13, 2016)
William A. “Skip” Oakes was a devoted lover, partner, constant companion, soulmate and husband for 37 years to Richard W. Coddington. For three years he battled a chronic illness and was cared for by the amazing providers at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco. Skip was born the son of Claire and Myra Oakes, in Kassuth, Venango County, Pennsylvania.
After graduating from high school he joined the U.S. Army. He then moved to San Francisco, the city that he loved, during the 1960’s Haight Ashbury days. He worked for the San Francisco Housing authority and later owned and managed Capricorn, a French cookware store on Union Street. Additionally, he was part owner and manager of the apartment and store front building at the corner of 22nd and Guerrero Streets.
Skip was humble, generous, and lived his life with great integrity. Together, Skip and Ricardo were proud of their home and felt the pride, joy and respect of their relationship. Their domestic partnership and marriage were chronicled on the front page of the San Francisco Bay Times.
He is preceded in death by his parents Claire and Myra Detar Oakes, brothers Dean and James L. Oakes, and sister Helen Crape. He is survived by his husband Richard Coddington; sisters, Mrs. Arlene Myers of Cranberry, PA, and Mrs. Kay Hilyer of Hadley, PA.; along with numerous nieces and nephews. A private celebration of his life was held. Peace of Christ be with him.
Irving David Spivak
Thursday afternoon, July 21, 2016, Irving David Spivak peacefully died in his home surrounded by his friends. Zikhrono livrakha. May his memory be a blessing. Irv was born on June 4 in Upstate New York and immigrated to Israel in 1969, matriculated from high school, and then served in the Israeli Defense Forces. He fought in the Yom Kippur War as a Combat Medic.
Following that he lived all over the world, worked for major airlines, small companies, and even founded his own telecommunications corporation with a partner. He eventually settled in San Francisco. Since 1997 he officiated over 75 weddings and then branched out to also do funerals, pet funerals, naming ceremonies and MC-ing events. Irv was proud of the fact that he has 30 reviews for his officiating business on Yelp and every one of them was five stars.
Irv served as President of the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA) in 1998. Irv was a major supporter of LGBT businesses, causes and particularly of arts and culture in San Francisco. Man Dance Company and The Paulo Acosta Cuban Art Exhibit were two of his favorites. His last job was at San Francisco’s historic Payne Mansion, at which he curated rotating art exhibits.
He often said, “My friends are my greatest blessing. I value honesty, loyalty and friendship. I love making new friends.” Sixteen years ago, in a birthday note to all his friends, Irv wrote: “If I were to die today … I’d die the happiest man ever to have lived and loved for knowing you. It has never been about the material things for me. (Hell, I’ve lost everything twice.) It has always been about the memories of good times with each and every one of you. Your footsteps are indelibly etched in my brain. You are all my personal angels and friends.”
A memorial service is being planned and the GGBA will provide details as soon as they are available.
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