Carl Oake was in real estate since 1968, and founded his Century 21 office on George Street ten years later. In 1999, Century 21 United Realty Ltd. And Century 21 Gray-Munro Realty Inc. merged to form Century 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage.
Carl served as President of the Peterborough Real Estate Board and the Men’s Sales and Advertising Club, Director of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA and the Peterborough Golf and Country Club – and served on the Strategic Planning Committee for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
Since 1987, the Carl Oake Swimathon has raised over $900,000 for local worthwhile causes, and the number of businesses and swimmers has increased each year. The Swimathon has always raised money to support Easter Seals, but over the years several other charities have been added. Until just recently, Carl habitually swam at least 100 laps during the event, employing the Australian crawl. He began his swimathon, that first year, swimming solo, but now there are over 30 teams of swimmers participating.
Among his many honours, Carl Oake is a Paul Harris Fellow and is a Peterborough Citizen of the Year recipient. He was also presented with the Easter Seals Helping Hand Award.
Mr. Oake retired from his firm, which remains in the capable hands of his daughter, Vanessa Oake Hogan.
Carl Oake passed away on January 2nd, 2025 in his 80th year following a courageous battle with cancer.
- photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner