Michiel

Throughout his trial, Michiel was labeled a lot of different things, ranging from “jealous lover,” to “bodyguard,” to “hired killer.”  These fictitious labels were first cast by the prosecution, then taken up by the news media who repeated them endlessly, condemning Michiel as guilty months before the jury had been selected.

Now, as Michiel awaits his appeal, it falls to us, his family and friends, to dispel those terrible myths and describe the person we all know him to be: a loving and committed son, brother, and father, a patient and supportive mentor of youth, a devoted, thoughtful, and caring partner, a creative and brilliant individual with broad and diverse interests, a sincere and giving friend, a law-abiding citizen in every regard, an honorable gentleman in the truest sense of the definition, and a person who has striven to live each moment of his life with the highest level of integrity and morality.  Although these words do not match the hateful character assassination he faced, each and every one accurately defines who Michiel really is.  We firmly believe that anyone who truly knows Michiel will undoubtedly know his innocence.

“…Mike is a kind, caring and gentle person.  I believe this to be his true character” – Terri

Michiel was born in 1968 to Sidney and Corrie Oakes.  He is the youngest of four siblings, having two older sisters and a brother.  Michiel’s family moved frequently throughout his childhood, due to his father’s career.  As a result, Michiel and his siblings grew very close, developing a powerful, loving bond.  Through the later parts of his childhood, Michiel was charged with the care and assistance of his eldest sister, who was (and still is) struggling with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, a debilitating, systemic disease.  Michiel emerged from his formative years with both a deep respect and love for family bonds, along with an advanced sense of maturity and responsibility.

In 1987, Michiel started his own family.  Over the next 12 years, he had four beautiful children: two boys and two girls.  Having a deep appreciation and care for children, Michiel volunteered as youth pastor in several churches and mentored Junior and Senior High School students for many years.

“When he was a teenager, he volunteered at our church to help the nursery staff…He would sit in the rocking chair and rock the babies that were crying or fretful.  He told me he didn’t care who laughed…” – Corrie

“That is the type of man I know Mike Oakes to be: someone who defends the defenseless and goes out of his way to help his friends.” – Suzanne

Professionally, he started several profitable businesses in the then-fledgling paintball industry, later consulted in marketing and sales in different fields, and concurrently invented and authored patents for many diverse business ideas, while enjoying writing magazine articles on a variety of topics.

In the late 1990’s, Michiel took time off from work to pursue his passion of writing and completed his novel, A Poetry of Shadows.  This story was entered into the Maui Writer’s Conference under the title Pon, and won the Rupert Hughes Award for Literary Excellence in 1998.

“Michiel has demonstrated he is a gentleman to the truest sense of the word, and has been consistently so the entire time I have known him.” – Linda

As his children grew, Michiel made it his highest priority to be ever-available and involved in each of their lives.  He rarely worked from an office, and only took jobs that offered part- or full-time telecommuting options in order to be present for his family.  His children recall many special occasions spent together with their father, like times when Michiel would start a fire in the fireplace, make mugs of tea or hot chocolate and read to them from The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings.  Memories like this abound for both Michiel and his children.

In 2006, Michiel and the mother of his children filed for divorce and separated amiably. Michiel received full custody of their four children and continued working full-time while caring for them.  When Michiel’s oldest son became engaged to be married, Michiel was asked to be Best Man.  He has always had a loving and close relationship with all of his children.

“Everyone should have a friend like Mike… everyone should be a friend like Mike.” – Weldon

“…when other male friends and family members walked away from their responsibilities, Mike remained a shining example of what a true man was…trustworthy, honorable, steadfast, and unwavering in his commitment toward his family.” – Todd

Michiel continued in the role of loving father, provider, caretaker, and guardian of his three younger children until October of 2009, when he was arrested in Winthrop, Washington.

Michiel’s father gave up his retirement and his family used their homes and remaining assets as collateral in order to obtain the $2.5 million bond for his bail.   Michiel was released under house arrest, to await his day in court.