Todd Oakes lives with his wife of 40 years, Cathy, in the Cascades at World Golf Village. They were among the first residents when they moved to the St. Augustine golf community in 2006. Although Todd’s favorite quote is, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt,” he has graciously agreed to be our featured resident this month! Meet Todd…

1. If you could have front row seats to any concert who would you like to see?

I don’t know if you would call it a concert, but the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. I love to laugh.

2. If you could be brilliant in one subject, which would you choose?

Marital respect. We’ve made it 40 years and have been doing pretty good, but there is always room to improve.

3. Which is more important, the respect of your children or your parents? 

I don’t think you can separate the two.  If I did not have the respect of my parents, I don’t know how you would think your kids would respect you.

4. Should the individual or society be of primary importance? 

Since I am a lifelong conservative, this one is easy. It has to be the individual.

5. What was the most fun you ever had at a party?

See picture above. (I’m on the far left.) At the Cascades Halloween Party in October, I was part of the California Prunes (California Raisins for seniors) and had a blast.

6. Which historical sporting event would you like to witness?

Tiger Woods passing Jack Nicklaus’s major record.

7. Do you believe in coincidence or synchronicity?

Until you asked this question, I had never heard of synchronicity. I love Google.  It means:  The experience of two or more events that are apparently causally unrelated occurring together in a meaningful manner. I do not believe in either. My wife and I are very God centered and our faith dictates God first, family second. I believe that everything happens for a reason, everything.

8. At what age do most people become old?

As soon as you start feeling old. If you take care of yourself, you should last a long time. I don’t know whose quote this is but, you are only as old as you feel. I am 63 and most of the time I feel like I am still in my 40’s. Most of the time.

9. What is the secret to staying young?

Don’t get old. Cathy’s dad is long past and was a decorated WWII Veteran. He had a saying: They say if you don’t drink or smoke, you live longer, but that is not true, it just seems longer.

10. What’s the best way to spend a rainy weekend?

Going somewhere where it isn’t raining.