Michael J. Drake

I will always be grateful for the support Mike provided during the DISR instrument development program. There were many occasions when our funding from NASA was late. He could easily have stopped our program until the funding arrived. Every single time he simply asked if we believed that the funding would really come from JPL to continue the program. After hearing my explanation of the situation, he simply committed the funding of the lab to continue the program without interruption. His...

Despite the years and distance between us, my thoughts are with you Gail, Matt and Melissa. Mike was a good man in so many, many ways. May you find peace in your hearts despite his absence. Leslie (from RPIF days). XO

Mike always brought a spark of excitement and a love of life into every conversation. He was always willing and often shared his wisdom and vast knowledge. We were lucky to have been able to spend time and partake in great conversations with Mike. - Ashley &Thomas Lott

As a close friend, Mike was frequently inspirational, sometimes exasperating, and always entertaining. At times he was difficult to love, and at other times, impossible not to love. He insisted on people doing their very best, yet had an enormous capacity for forgiveness, kindness, and generosity. Always making good use of his time, he packed more living into his 65 years than most of us could in 100 years. His passing leaves a huge hole in my life, but his frequent words of encouragement...

Mike, you always denied that you were related to the Brit. Sir Francis Drake, but surely you were -- roving the planet with your adventurous spirit to see what was over the next mountain or the next ocean; not talking about it, but actually doing it (but quite a bit of talking en route), constantly surprising us -- serving bouillabaise in the desert -- when some of us had never heard of it--lugging champagne on a Grand Canyon trip for Liz Maggio's 30th birthday, the famous annual Medieval...

Mike was my favorite customer and friend at Pastiche restaurant! I truly enjoyed him every time he was in. He met there every friday with Ed, Amy,and Rick! I will miss this man he was a bright light in my day. To his family I send peace and my condolences. R.I.P Mike!.............Dawna

I sat with Mike just a few weeks ago at a meeting downtown.He was engaged and enthused, even though he was far from 100%.

His passion and commitment to the public science initiative we were discussing was undeniable and his enthusiasm for telling the great science story of his work and the University was inspiring.

Great men leave behind a great legacy either in their work or by virtue of their family.Mike did both and added yet another element in the students and...

Thanks to all our friends and family who have been our strength in this difficult time. -- Matt and family