Drake Shelton Obituary
Drake distinguished himself at the U of A and was active in university life, writing for the Gateway and serving on the executive of several clubs. Upon graduation he joined the Canadian army Intelligence Corp and served overseas as a Japanese interpreter, travelling throughout the Far East.
After the war Drake taught in several small Alberta towns and was the youngest school principal in Delia, with its total of 18 students. Drake fully enjoyed his many years as an enthusiastic, effective, and entertaining English teacher in Calgary. Later he served as an English consultant for the Calgary school board.
As an active member of the Knights of the Round Table, and one of the founding members of the Banff Book Discussion Weekend, Drake loved discussion and debate. He was universally known by family and friends to be kind, optimistic, cheerful, talkative and erudite - a person who loved his family and enjoyed his friends.
Drake is loved and missed by his partner of many years Margaret Gould; by his three children David, Hilary and Lois; his grandchildren Charles, Emily, Betty, Andrew, Jamie, Rebecca and Miriam; his niece Patsy and her family; and by Phyllis Pesce (mother of David and Hilary).
Drake was predeceased by his sisters Margaret and Kathleen, his grandson, Matthew, and Pat, his wife of 50 years.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
14 Entries
April 27, 2014
We will be having a memorial service for drake on May 31 from 3-5 at the Unitarian church. Please tell anyone you think would like to know about this.
Gabriole Wilson
February 3, 2014
Lois, Your Dad was great at many things, but the talent that I'll remember him for was his consummate story telling. Timing is everything and Drake had it in abundance.He had such a talent for making everyone feel special. Much love to you and your family.
November 19, 2013
Drake was a thoughtful teacher and colleague to all of the staff members at Churchill. His ability to synthesize issues and deal with problems in a sensitive manner was appreciated by all of us. He made a positive impact on all of the students that he taught and the teachers in the school. My sincerest condolences to the Shelton Family.
Terry Allen
November 15, 2013
Dear Lois and Pat:
My Deepest Sympathies in the passing of your Father and Uncle. Also to the Wilson family -Warren, Pat, Gabrielle, Marilyn and Donna, and Families.
Love Jeanette McClelland -Neighbor and Friend
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November 14, 2013
Thinking of Uncle Drake with fond memories. We enjoyed listening to his stories at family gatherings over the years. All the best, Warren and Irena Wilson
Charlotte Rich
November 13, 2013
I wish to offer my condolances to Drake's family. I remember enjoying and being impressed with meeting his daughter Lois, at their family home too - many, many years ago. Drake was a long time member of the Great Books Club, and a great addition - when I joined about 40 years ago.
Jim Sagan
November 12, 2013
Although I was a chemistry teacher at SWC I occasionally visited the english department office. I did this because I enjoyed listening to the witticisms and humour of Drake. He was a unique and talented teacher.
Sharon Carson-Bell
November 12, 2013
Drake was one of the brightest,wittiest, most interesting people I have ever had the good fortune to know. His incredible knowledge of all things literary and historical was both intimidating and inspiring to me, especially when I first came to Churchill in 1981. He was the best of mentors and good friends, and I will always be grateful for the good times we had together.
Maureen SexSmith
November 12, 2013
Mr. Shelton taught me English at Sir Winston Churchill High School and I will never forget the wonderful trip our class took to England and Wales to visit many sites of English writers. All these years later it remains a highlight for me.
Armande Bird
November 11, 2013
Always enjoyed a chat with Drake when he was teaching at Sir Winston Churchill.
November 11, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear of Drake's passing. He truly was 'un homme par excellance". No one was a match for Drake's wit, the breadth and depth of his knowledge of all things literary, or his special eloquent way of telling it 'how it is". I envied his gift. He was also a generous man who allowed fledgling and experienced teachers their wings.
My condolences to all Drake's family members.
Diana Jones ( formerly Gibbons SWCHS)
Mike Behuniak
November 10, 2013
Drake was good friend to many in Rosedale. My two brothers and I helped put that water wheel, that his dad made, into the creek. We all spent many a hot summer day swimming in the water hole beside that wonderful wheel. Many years have passed since then but I know Drake inspired many in his teaching career. We always had a laugh when we got together.
Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
November 10, 2013
When I started at SWHS as a Performing Arts teacher, because there weren't many students taking choral, my schedule needed to filled with an extra subject. English had been my minor in University so suddenly I was a member of the English department. Drake guided me through the curriculum which was brand new to me, and even went so far as to teach me how to put marks on computer discs which was EVEN NEWER! In those days, the computer programs were not based on Windows 8 but rather, Windows Minus 2. I stuck with that program for the next 20 years, thanks to Drake. Pipe organs proved to be a lot less complicated than computers, but Drake patiently introduced me to the new world. What a guy!
Frank McKitrick
Greg Watson
November 10, 2013
I loved teaching on the same staff at SWC as Drake. He always grought wit and wisdom to the conversations of Admin Council as well as being one of the few teachers able to stay on par or above Skip Morgan's wit. Drake was an amazing English teacher and his passion really made his subject material real for his students.
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