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Richard Drake Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
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jodi bock
March 12, 2009
my heart goes out to ricks family, friends and kli at this sad time. i was friends with rick in the early 80's and loved his keen sense of humor & laughter. i regret not keeping in touch with the joy that was him.
Olin Hardy
March 8, 2009
To Kli and Rick's family,
I had only known Rick for two months but I am a good judge of people and Rick was a really good person. He will be missed very much by all his friends around the capital. My prayers go out to Kli and his family.
Anne Wingfield
March 7, 2009
The last time I saw Rick, he was standing on Bank Street beside the Pocahontas Building. When I stopped to say hi, I noticed he was very animated and grinning from ear to ear, as usual. He said to me "see that man over there with the big smile? That man just won $250,000 in the lottery!! " Rick was enojoying the moment as much as the guy with the poster- sized check posing with the lottery director. I was happy for the stranger, but it was Rick's sheer joy that made my day. He was so happy for the man. Rick always had a smile on his face and he would go out of his way to be nice to people. I'll never forget him.
John Alley
March 6, 2009
Rick and I shared the "Rafters Lucky To Be Alive" fiasco and it wasn't the 1st time he led me astray and I enjoyed each and every adventure. There are two memorys that stand out to me. The Maury River trip where we argued over who would get Emmit and who would get his gear. I lost this round when he snookered me into giving Emmit my kyak paddle, leaving me to lame duck the rest of the way down. I can hear him say " Whats your problem?"
The second is how mad he would get when he lost an argument with, at that time, my youngest son Stuart. Rick hated to lose an argument, it was one of the things I admired about him. Save me a place at the "Put In" for our next adventure Rick.
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ray lamm
March 6, 2009
my prayer are to rick family at this time.rick was a super nice guy. will be miss.i work with rick at dgs.
Carol Simmons
March 6, 2009
I have known Rick for so many years while I was working at the Treasury Department. I used to tease him about he should be a state employee since he was in our building so often. He will be missed. I can't imagine who is going to take over the phones. They can never fill Rick's shoes. He knew his job very well. He was a friendly person and always had a smile. He will be missed.
My prayers are with the family. I express my deepest sympathy
Brenda Stanley
March 6, 2009
I have know Rick for 25 years. He started Whitewater Rafting with me under Richard Ballou- Manager with James River Experiences. I have taken quite a few trips to the New River in West Va and down the James River in Richmond with him. He was one of the best Canoeist that I have known in my lifetime. I remember a high water trip where he wiped out in Hollywood Rapid in his canoe and swam until he got to the Lee Bridge. I decided I had had enough of this rough water so I left the River and went with his Canoe ashore to wait for a shuttle and he continued down the River in my spot in the Raft. He was always fun to be around and he had some great jokes to tell. Rick, I will greatly miss you.
Gladys Slate (Dept of Accounts)
March 6, 2009
Caring thoughts are with you at this time of loss. Rick was a man with integrity and knowledge that will never be replaced. Rick did work for the Department of Accounts for many years and his infectious smile, laughter and teasing that was shared with all will be truly missed.
Donna & Gary Lane
March 5, 2009
We didn't know Rick well but we had the pleasure of boating with him on numerous occassions over last few years. He was always smiling and sure fun to have around. We'll miss him. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Patti Haskins
March 5, 2009
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Ricky. Although I hadn't talked to him in 15 years I remember the good times fishing with Ricky in the 70's and 80's at Oregon Inlet. We never really caught much of any thing but we sure did have a good time! Although we went our separate ways, reading everyone's memories tells me that Ricky never changed and was still the great guy that I've known since middle school years at Chickahominy Academy. I am so sorry for your sudden loss and know that I have lost a life long friend.
George Bishop
March 5, 2009
I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Rick's passing. I met him professionally through his work at the State Capitol, but I always considered him a friend. His work was extremely important to the successful completion of the Capitol Restoration and Extension Project, and I will always be appreciative of the contributions that he made toward that effort. He had a wonderfully warm personality and a terrific sense of humor, making him a welcome addition to any meeting or any team. It was an honor and a true pleasure to work with him, and I will miss him greatly. To his family and loved ones, I am very sorry for your loss. He was a great guy.
Ryan Walker
March 5, 2009
I am so sorry to for your loss. Rick and I were great friends. He taught me so much and I am forever thankfull. He will be greatly missed.
Deborah Mapp
March 5, 2009
To Kli & Rick's family:
Words cannot begin to express how I feel about your sudden loss; however know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and it is my hope that God will comfort each of you as only He can. Peace and grace.
John Diveley
March 5, 2009
I had the pleasure of knowing and enjoying Rick's company for over 15 years. I will miss him.
Jon Ramsey
March 5, 2009
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Rick's family and Kli. Since we moved in next door in 2006, Rick has touched us and been part of our lives. He always had a helping hand to lend, and a story to share as we crossed paths in our daily lives. He will be dearly missed.
Jon and Wendy
Lothar Pausewang & Regula Franz
March 5, 2009
Dear Kli and Drake Family,
We would like to express our sincere sympathy for your loss.
From the second we moved into our house on 2914 East Broad Street in 2002 Rick became an intertwined part of our life – as good neighbor, dear friend and a quasi-member of our family.
He was always there, when we needed him; always offering a helping hand, which we enjoyed quite a bit during all these years; always open for a nice talk and a get-together.
How many times I was standing in “our shared” alley and was shouting “RIIIIICK” (what he hated) to get him to his kitchen window- mostly asking for help or tools or advice. But nevertheless, he came down the stairs and offered his assistance.
The only pay back we could offer was our friendship, home made cappuccinos (which he loved) and hanging out at our backyard, where we had long conversations, parties and famous BBQ dinners, provided by grill expert Rick.
There will be no shouting “RIIIICK” anymore, no working with him side by side, knees in the dirt hammering pavers in the ground, no shared coffee in our kitchen, no long evening with discussions about God and the world.
We lost a true friend and a “family member” of our little community here at Broad Street.
We are still in shock and can’t believe that this has happened.
Rick, we miss you.
Your European friends and neighbors
Lothar & Regula
.
Jerry Allgeier
March 5, 2009
Rick was a wonderful man who knew what he was doing, and always provided expert service to his clients. I also had many discussions with him on downtown street corners and in my office, and he always had good advice, a warm smile, and a gentle laugh. I offer my condolences to his family and friends. Rick will be missed.
Deborah Nickerson
March 5, 2009
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Catherine Robertson
March 5, 2009
When he came to Virginia Deparment of Labor and Industry to do work, He always had a smile on his face and always very pleasant. My deepest sympathies to the family and his friends. may God be with you through this difficult time. God Bless
Lori Kam
March 4, 2009
Kli and Family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers. I knew Rick through the Richmond Raft Company and years to follow. He had the best smile and great laugh. He always had funny stories and he added so much to the "family" feeling at RRC and at other get togethers. He will truly be missed.
Janice Kuhn
March 4, 2009
To Rick's family and friends,
I am so sorry to hear of Rick's untimely passing. I wish you strength and peace in the days ahead. Like many others, I knew Rick from the raft company and shared the river, laughs and beer with him. He will be missed.
Linda McMinimy
March 4, 2009
My deepest condolences to the family on your great loss.
I was shocked and very sad to hear of Rick's passing. He was warm, authentic, ever cheerful and wonderful to work with. He went out of his way to help even small businesses like mine. We always thought of him as a friend and we surely will miss him!
Tommy Vest
March 4, 2009
Kli,
Rick was a great guy, used to holler my name out anytime he saw me on the street - anywhere. Wish I knew what to say to help you. So sorry for your loss.
Emmet & Carol Logue
March 4, 2009
To Kli and Rick’s family – please accept our deepest sympathies.
I spent many enjoyable hours boating, fishing and just shooting the breeze with Rick. He was a great guy, a true friend and will be sorely missed.
stuart bateman
March 4, 2009
to kli and rick's family, please know that his many, many friends wish you peace and comfort at this sorrowful time--- like a lot of his friends i was very fortunate to spend some wonderful, unforgettable times in his company, floating on the james and other rivers he loved
Kendall Simons
March 4, 2009
I am shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Rick, my deepest sympathies are with Rick's family and friends, and especially with Kli.
Love you Bird.
Julie O'Kelly- State Employee & Fellow Church Hill Resident
March 4, 2009
I'm just shocked at Rick's passing. His smile, his laugh, his quick response time, his desire for doing it right and always following through to ensure satisfaction, and especially his being in-the-know of all the happenings in the State and on Church Hill - will definitely be forever missed. He was one of a kind that can never be replaced. My heart felt sympathy to all his family and friends.
Debbie Madison
March 4, 2009
My condolences to the family, friends, and everyone whose lives were pleasantly touched by Rick's sheer presence and genuine smile. He was true to his work, loyal to his friends, honest, and was a great asset to the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have known Rick for 11 years, will always remember him, and while he will be greatly missed, the memories will be forever cherished.
Bernice Morgan
March 4, 2009
I always thought of Kli and Rick as one. I am saddened by his passing, as are many others. Kli and Rick's family will be in my prayers.
Dana Hoffmann-Verizon Business
March 4, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kli and Rick's family. I met Rick over 30 years ago, when I began working with C&P Telephone Company. He was a wonderful and honest friend, which you could rely and depend on. He held a special place in our hearts and will be greatly missed.
Charlotte Daniel
March 4, 2009
Please accept my sincere sympathy. I work for the State Corporation Commission and quite frequently saw Rick in our building working on our telephones. He was always courteous with a big smile. He will be sorely missed.
Bill Sydnor
March 4, 2009
I've known Rick for many years working with him at DMAS. He always had a smile and and a great story. May the Lord provide comfort to you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Vanessa Archie
March 4, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Rick when I started with the State Board of Elections 10 years ago and he was always a joy to work with and I always looked forward to working with him. He was so down to earth and funny. He will be greatly missed.
Barb Layman
March 4, 2009
My thoughts and heartfelt prayers to Rick's family and friends. I met Rick more than 10 years ago when I first began working in Richmond...he was a wonderful and kind man with a great sense of humor. Rick certainly knew his business and he taught me a great deal about phones and networking and other interesting, useful "stuff!" I will surely miss him.
Keri Wormald
March 4, 2009
There are no words in a time like this, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with Rick's whole family and the love of his life Kli... who is one of the finest women I know... and who is very much loved and supported by her friends.
Harriet Weatherburn
March 4, 2009
I've known Rick for many years working at DGS. He always had a smile and was so sweet. I'm so very sorry to hear of his passing. May God provide comfort to you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Hamilton Roye
March 4, 2009
I was devastated to hear of Rick's passing. I considered him a great friend. We worked together often and he always impressed me with his work ethic and entertained me with his wit. He will be greatly missed.
Louis Chorba
March 4, 2009
Dear Kli and Drake Family
I am so sorry for the loss of Ricky. He was a special person - always ready to lend a helping hand. I lived next door to Ricky for 7 years and continued our friendship during the years after I moved in 1990. My heart, prayers, and condolences go out to all. I am unable to make an appearance as I am in St. Louis, MO recovering from recent major surgery.
Jen Dooley Martell
March 4, 2009
I was completely shocked to hear of Rick's passing. I know Rick through whitewater rafting, and the former Richmond Raft Company, in the 1990's. I was also lucky enough to meet Kli a few times, too. I will always remember Rick as so kind and funny. He wasn't around at every event, so it was always a special treat to see him arrive. My sincere sympathies to Kli and the rest of Rick's family. He will be missed by a great deal of people, including the rafting community.
Sherry Walsh
March 4, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
sheila connelly
March 4, 2009
Kli,
Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Words can't really express such a heartfelt loss.....may God be with you and Rick's family during this most difficult time.
Peace be with you,
Sheila and Kevin
Aaron Mathes
March 4, 2009
Family and Friends,
I am sorry for your loss and pray that God comforts you in this tough time.
I got to know Rick over the past few years because of the work Rick did for the Attorney General of Virginia. Rick was a great guy. I enjoyed talking with him when he was at the office. Rick was an honest, hard working, "get it done" type of guy which we depended on. He will be greatly missed!
God's Promise:
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:11-13
Mike Dooley
March 4, 2009
I haven't known Rick but for about a year. Rick was a fine man. He knew his work and loved life. I will miss his comrodary at lunch and his assistance with projects. My condolences to the family and may God bless you all in this time of sorrow.
Mike Dooley
linda roberts
March 4, 2009
I will truly miss Rick! He came to The Attorney General's Office often and it was always a joy to see him with the sweetest smile and the nicest mannerisms.I will miss him!May the family always know how much he was loved.
Connie Newcomb
March 4, 2009
Rick was wonderful. He helped us here at the Attorney General's Office in so many ways. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Sheila Erickson & DGS Parking Services Office
March 4, 2009
We are deeply sadden for the loss of this dear man who was always so cheerful, willing to do what ever he could to help us day or night and fun just to sit and chat with. We will truly miss him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones and pray that as time goes by the shock and pain of his passing subsides. I know we all have a place in our hearts for him and will never forget him. God Bless
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