Obituary for
Philip M. Oakley
Philip (Phil) is running his final marathon after breaking his hip in a fall on June 24, 2016. He was especially proud of holding the unbroken record of the Salem marathon. For those over 70 years of age. Even after he no longer competed he remained active and walked an hour daily. Phil was born in Tiajin, China where his father taught engineering at the University. He was a 4th generation engineer.
He enlisted in WWII in the Army. He Spent most of his time in the Signal Corp
in the Philippines. After the war he completed his degree in engineering at the University of Washington. He joined the Oregon Dept. Of Transportation as a field engineer, later moving to Salem ODT where he eventually headed a design team.
He won a national award for his design of the bridge over the Chetco River in Brookings, OR. The jury commented “A piece of sculpture with qualities far surpassing basic engineering. An outstanding achievement.” His last position was as the Oregon liaison in the design and construction of the US 205 bridge over the Columbia River. After his retirement, Phil and his wife traveled our western states, plus over forty Third-world countries, visiting every continent except Antarctica.
He leaves his wife, Shirley, son Richard Oakley and wife (Delores). Also Sandi Hinshaw and Darrell (Buzz) Thede, children of his former wife. At his request he will be cremated. A Memorial service will follow at a later
date.
