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Robert T. Drake Sun City West, AZ QCWA # 16748 |
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Robert 'Ted; Drake, N8GZ, ex:W8JBI 1918-2012 Past President, renowned DXer and a great guy
Robert Ted Drake died on November 26, 2012, in Sun City West, Arizona, when he was 94 years old.
Robert "Ted" passed away peacefully on November 26, 2012 at the age of 94. He and his wife of 32 years, Leona Drake, resided in Sun City West, Arizona. Formerly from Bloomfield Hills, MI, they made Sun City West their permanent home in 1999.
Ted was born on October 2, 1918 in Oak Park, Illinois to Earl and Glenna Drake. He was the youngest of five boys. The family later moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Ted attended Columbus East High School and then the Ohio State University where he graduated with honors in Mechanical Engineering. Having completed ROTC training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers where he led the repair of runways and buildings at Allied airfields in England. Ted was part of the very early occupation force in Germany following the surrender, and he was promoted to Major before returning to civilian life in 1945. In 1940, Ted married Myrta Johnston (1916-1977). Over the years, they lived in Evansville, Indiana; Columbus, Ohio; Parma, Ohio; Norwalk, Ohio; Orchard Lake, Michigan; and Milan, Ohio. Ted was a loving husband to Myrta and a loving, supportive father to their five children.
Ted found employment in a variety of engineering jobs. He became involved with the automotive industry and was elected President of the RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association). Ted ended his working career as Vice President of Marketing in 1980, staying on as a consultant for two more years. Ted began a hobby of amateur radio at the age of 14, and it remained his passion until his death. He was licensed in 1933 and received top honors and a Lifetime Achievement Award by talking with 387 countries around the world. In younger years, he loved to hunt and fish with his sons and brothers. In retirement years, Ted enjoyed tending his cactus garden and the many fruit trees at his Arizona home. Ted's other pastime was travel. He and Lee enjoyed traveling and, together, traveled to approximately 35 countries and several Caribbean islands.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Paul Drake (Columbus), Bill Drake (Cleveland), James Drake (Columbus) and Al Drake (Coshocton). His wife, Myrta Johnston Drake also preceded him in death in 1977.
Ted is survived by his wife, Leona; his five children: David (Nancy) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Alan (Puttara) of Berkley, Michigan; Dennis (Janet) of Orinda, California; Holly (Bob) of Dayton, Ohio; Brian (Julie) of Milford, Michigan; and step-daughter Linda Cagle of Tucson, Arizona. He is survived also by 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.