This fund was established to honor the memory of Andrew William "Andy" Oakes.

Below is an excerpt from his obituary: 

Andy was born November 18, 1966 in Landstuhl, Germany, the youngest of five siblings.  In 1967, Andy arrived in the United States for the first time, making Ft. Polk, Louisiana home. In 1968, Andy came to Washington state, attending schools in the Olympia area and graduating from North Thurston High School with the class of 1985.  Andy excelled as an athlete in baseball, basketball and football. He found time to play the trombone, fish and cultivate many lifelong friendships.

Andy graduated Eastern University in 1990 earning a degree in engineering.  He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, beginning his military career, which took him many places, including Kansas, Bosnia, Japan, Germany, Alaska and more. After serving 21 years, Andy honorably retired Lt. Col., returning to Washington State.  It was here he began and ended his fishing guide career.

Andy was a gifted fishing guide, carpenter, cook, and outdoorsman. He made it a habit to share his catch with those in need or those who could not find the time to fish. He also loved his dogs and often took them out on his boat when he was fishing.Read more.