Kevin Oakley(1962-2003)
- Visual Effects
- Special Effects
- Animation Department
Kevin was born August 11, 1962 and married his childhood sweetheart,
Michele Baele, in May 1988. His first career was working at McDonnell
Douglas building aeroplanes. His dream however was to become a digital
effects animator. True to his dedicated character, he began by training
himself at home. Later he completed his computer graphics training at
UCLA and worked for studios including Rich Entertainment, Warner Bros.,
DreamWorks and Sony Pictures. On August 18, 2003 Kevin's life ended
tragically and heroically in Maui, Hawaii during a family vacation,
leaving behind wife, Michele, daughter Brielle (11) and son Austen (8).
While climbing down the path next to the Pools of 'Ohe'o, Austen lost
his shoe in the water and stooped down to retrieve it. When Austen fell
into the water, Kevin dove in after him. As they were carried down the
series of pools and waterfalls, Kevin protected his son in a bear hug
keeping Austen's head above water and pushing him toward shore as a
tourist who was an EMT from LA brought him to safety. Sadly, Kevin
succumbed to the weight of his backpack, the exhaustion of the struggle
and the strong current that swept him into the Pacific Ocean. His body
was later found by rescue helicopters.
On Monday, August 25, family, friends, studio executives and co-workers, in an overflow capacity crowd, gathered at his funeral, at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood Hills. Kevin Holland, lead evangelist for Kevin's church, delivered the eloquent eulogy followed by profound, moving comments from his father-in-law and both of his children. His body was laid to rest on a hill with a clear view of Disney Animation Studios.
On Monday, August 25, family, friends, studio executives and co-workers, in an overflow capacity crowd, gathered at his funeral, at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood Hills. Kevin Holland, lead evangelist for Kevin's church, delivered the eloquent eulogy followed by profound, moving comments from his father-in-law and both of his children. His body was laid to rest on a hill with a clear view of Disney Animation Studios.