10-20-2021

It's with a heavy heart that I must pass on this news. On 10-20-2021 in the early hours, my sister sherrie lee McIntire - Oakes was found dead in the Tacoma Woman's Rescue Shelter. It's unknown at this time how she died. As her twin brother, I'm extremely saddened by the loss of my sister Sherrie.

Sherrie and I grew up as Air Force Brats. Our father was in the Air force so our family moved around. We were born in Portland, Oregon. Traveled to Alaska, Japan, California before my dad retired. We then went to Jr. High and High School in Portland, Ore.

After HS. Sis got married and moved to S. Ca. Her husband was stationed in the air force down there. She was married to her first husband for 8 years before she divorced.

She then moved back to Portland, Ore. Eventually she met her second husband Keith McIntire and got married. They are still married today. During her life she was a professional business owner owning a limousine service.

10 years ago, Sis suffered a fall inside a Taco Bell in Tacoma, Wa. where she broke her leg. Eventually she had to have four reconstructive surgeries to fix the leg. After her fourth surgery she suffered a minor stroke.

Diabetes was her only other medical issue but it was a big one. She loved animals. Her last dog "Manly" was a loving gentle pug. He passed away a few years ago.

She loved the beach and moved to Hoquiam, Wa. But due to recent medical issues, lost her home, became homeless as she refused to live in an assisted care facility and was found dead this morning. Paramedics informed me she died in her sleep. Sherrie is survived by her Husband Keith McIntire. Her brother (ME) Harry Oakes Jr. Her Aunt Sally Riddle and cousins Carolyn and Ron. I have no idea when her memorial service will be or where. I'll try to keep everyone posted. My email is sardogk91@aol.com or sardogk91@gmail.com Any memorial donations should be sent in her memory to your local animal shelter, Tacoma Homeless Shelter, or Friendship house in Hoquiam, Aberdeen, Washington. Thank you Respectfully Harry E. Oakes Jr. I dedicate this song "I'll be there" by the Escape club to my sister Sherrie. I love you your brother. Harry Oakes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRiHOtjGQ08

 Remember SAR Dog Ranger. My second search dog's name was Ranger. A loving dog I rescued from the dog pound at 5 months old and trained him for SAR. He was put in the Oregon Pet Hall of Fame by the Oregon Humane society for his work around the world. They even made a beany baby toy in his memory. I nice memorial for the love and work he did around the world "so others may live". I sure miss him. He will always live on in my heart. Harry Oakes K9 SAR www.k9sardog.com

 

Brad G.	6:44 PM (1 hour ago)
to me

Here you go, Harry.   You are the man!

 

 

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Our family cat had gone missing for 6 days. My wife and I combed through the house, garage, we walked door to door, put out flyers, checked shelters etc. during that period.  Then it dawned on us that Harry had helped to find a friend of ours lost dog some years ago.  I contacted her, she got me Harry’s info, and Harry immediately responded that he was available and after a few quick exchanges he was on the way.  His friendly crew of dogs got the scent and first did a thorough search throughout the house and found nothing.  They picked  up a faint scent outside but it led to no where. Harry explained that this was likely the dogs detecting our cats scent on our shoes because that is the way we would way, several times a day, to try and find him.  That led us back to the garage.  The dog that was searching the garage alerted quite strongly on my old Buick, which I had searched head to toe (e.g. hood was still open!), but the dog was sure he was there. And he was right, my missing cat was lodged/stuck way up in the wheel well.  Had I moved that car, and I had intended to soon, he would have likely been crushed. It’s amazing he didn’t starve or die of dehydration for those 6 days. We have no idea why he didn’t move or make a sound as I’m a car guy and was in and out of that garage, with it wide open, several times a day.

 

Harry and his crew are true heroes to our family.  Thanks, Harry!

 Yes even turtles This one tracked in N Cal. found it several miles away.

www.k9sardog.com