David Scott Oakley

May 24, 1928 – October 3, 2019

Well known and long time Encinitas resident Dave Oakley passed away after a fall on October 3rd. Dave was born in San Diego to Florence and Hugh Oakley of Imperial, CA, where he spent his early years.

Dave spent his teenage years in the Alhambra area where he moved, with his mother, to be closer to his sister’s family. After graduating from Alhambra High in 1946, he entered the USAF achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant working as a cryptographer in US Occupied Japan. After his tour, he returned to Southern California and attended the University of Southern California, School of Architecture, graduating in 1957.

While at SC he served in various leadership roles and he was elected President of the USC chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity, an organization to which he donated much time and guidance for several years after graduation. Shortly after graduation, and becoming a licensed architect, he joined the AIA and became a well-known designer of hospitals in Southern California. He opened his own practice, with partner Paul Haynes, in South Pasadena. He creatively spearheaded many Southern California hospital extensive remodel design projects, including those of the first Trauma centers at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, Alhambra Community Hospital, and both Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and Orange County, to name only a few.

While designing the new pediatric pavilion at Huntington Memorial Hospital, Dave met Head Nurse of Pediatrics, Ann Dattilo. In 1967 Dave and Ann married. They raised 2 children, Paul and Laurie, in Arcadia, CA. Dave and Ann enjoyed raising their children and their life together, until Ann passed away in 1992.

In 1995 Dave married Margo O’Bryan in Encinitas. Dave and Margo were seen often around town, pursuing their individual and joint volunteer efforts. Their volunteer efforts were recognized when they were named joint Grand Marshals of the Encinitas Christmas Parade in 2010.

Besides Dave’s obvious love and devotion toward his family, he possessed two other strong passions; they were the true need to give back to his community, no matter where he lived, and THE BEACH! He owned a vacation home, which he designed, in Newport Beach with his sister’s family for several years before buying his first part-time home in Encinitas with his family in 1979. Shortly after his retirement in 1991, and Ann’s passing in 1992, Dave moved to Encinitas full time.

Throughout his adult years, Dave’s volunteer community leadership roles, included: The Temple City Planning Commission, Project Architect for St. Anne’s Maternity Home in L.A., The Encinitas Senior Center (he especially loved producing the annual SENIOR FOLLIES at the La Paloma Theatre for many years) and more recently his technical guidance and leadership in getting the Teton house saved, moved and restored at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum.

Dave is survived by his son Paul (Merri) Oakley, his daughter Laurie (Derek) Neighbors, grandkids Brittany (Chad) Hinsley, Ashley and Noah Neighbors. He will also be missed by his nephew, Ken Foster, who felt, and benefited from, Dave’s presence so much throughout his life. Dave also leaves behind many other close family members, who will never forget his incredible generosity, in terms of time, energy and emotional support.

Please, in lieu of flowers, donate in Dave’s memory to:

San Dieguito Heritage Museum; Teton House Restoration Fund

450 Quail Gardens Dr.

Encinitas, CA 92024