Name: Celebration of Life for Drake Akroyd
Start: 2017-04-22T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-04-22T22:00:00.000Z
Location: home of Bonnie Parker

Drake Akroyd

Chesapeake - Drake M. Akroyd, 70, formerly of Portsmouth but recently residing at Sentara Nursing Center-Chesapeake, died Saturday, March 25th from complications of Parkinson's Disease. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Akroyd, and his step-father John Clark, Sr. He is survived by Significant Other and best friend Bonnie Parker of Portsmouth; mother Doris J. Clark of Cocoa, FL; brother Duane Akroyd (Barbara) of Holly Springs, NC; step-brother John Clark, Jr. (Cathy) of Annapolis, MD, step-sister Janet Kogan (Ed) of Oak Ridge, TN; former spouse Christine Lombardini of Virginia Beach; and extended family and friends all over the U.S. Drake's career included Production Manager at WAVY TV and videographer at Newport News Shipbuilding Northrop Grumman. He was also a talented photographer and an awesome sax player. Originally from Binghamton, NY, he came to this area as an Army musician to attend the School of Music and eventually settled here. Before becoming disabled, he played in the Tidewater Concert Band, Hampton Roads Metro Band, and the Shriners' Band. Plus, for a few years, he managed his own Big Band ensemble. Drake loved people and, in turn, was loved and admired by those who knew him. No services are planned; however, family and friends are invited to the home of Bonnie Parker on Saturday, April 22nd anytime between 2:00 and 6:00 pm to remember and celebrate Drake's life. Contact Bonnie at [email protected] for details and directions. We sincerely thank the staff at Sentara Nursing Center-Chesapeake and the staff from Freda H. Gordon Hospice & Palliative Care of Tidewater for taking care of our "Gentle Giant."

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Apr. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Drake Akroyd

Sponsored by the family.

10 Entries

David akroyd

May 23, 2024

Drake was my half brother on our fathers side. I was not raised with drake but spent some time with him in my teen years. He was in fact a very kind person to everyone. We was there for me to talk to when our father died. Im glad he had so many great friends. RIP Brother.

Jack Gallagher

December 16, 2017

Drake and I would have numerous telephone discussions over the years, and as I was sitting at the computer, looking at an old email thread with Drake, it occurred to me that I hadn't heard from him in a while. I knew he was having some issues with Parkinson's but was unaware that it had progressed. I am deeply sorry that I missed this earlier. Drake was always a good friend... he will be missed. Attached is a promotional photo from WBNG were we worked together in Binghamton, New York. Drake is in the back (obviously since he would have blocked a few people if he was in the front) behind the camera.)

Cathy Akroyd

April 22, 2017

Drake will always be my "real brother". I am so full of sadness over his passing. He brought so much fun and goodness and kindness and caring and music to my life, from our early days working together at WPTA-TV in Fort Wayne to his life-long (and eternal) status as "real family". The description of Drake as a "gentle giant" really fits. I can see him so vividly, laughing and full of excitement over his latest music, movie or entertainment discovery. He gave the best hugs and was so much fun at the holidays. It's impossible to think of him without simultaneously thinking of music, especially jazz. It filled him up and he loved to share that. I just can't believe that he is gone... Would have loved to have talked with him just one more time. I will never forget him and am so grateful for his kindnesses to me and for the great memories I have of him. Thank you, Drake, I loved you dearly... Hope you are having big fun in music heaven. Hugs and sincere condolences to the many people who loved Drake. Rest in peace, dear brother and friend!

Roger Herndon

April 19, 2017

I'm so saddened by the passing of my good friend Drake. I saw him change before my eyes from a big, vibrant and talented man to a shadow of what he was. But I thank you Drake for everything you brought to our friendship. You were a loyal, hard working, dependable employee that I knew I could always count on when everyone else was "too busy." You would always do what others thought was beneath them. That made you a better and more respected man to me. You supported me in my early production days by helping make my crazy video shots and ideas a reality. You were "da go to man" to me, the "Drakester". I'm so sorry we never got to have that last lunch together ol' buddy, but I will always cherish that last conversation we had about it. You will be missed, but you will not be forgotten. This shoot is over, you can put down the all gear now, it's a wrap. I know you are tired, so go now and rest. Rest in peace my dear brother... Rest in peace.

Ruth Tinklepaugh

April 13, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of this. I went to school with Drake at Onondaga Community College and actually was our upstairs neighbor in Syracuse for a little. He will always be remembered - Ruth

Kimberly Jacks

April 3, 2017

Bonnie, my heart breaks for you and Drake's family and friends. I have so many fond memories of him from the shipyard. He was truly one of the most genuine people I ever met. May comfort find home in your heart.

April 3, 2017

I am sure you have already started a big "Angelic Band" in heaven. Hope they are ready for you there, we will miss you here. You taught me so much about music and really introduced me to my first big band concert. Thank you and rest in peace.

Art Kohn
Virginia Beach

April 3, 2017

I had the honor of having Drake work for me as production manager at Wavy TV. He was great at his job and a good friend. May God bless and comfort those whose lives you touched.
Mike McGrew

Amy O'Donnell

April 3, 2017

Hey Big Guy. Your Shipyard family will miss you forever! Thanks for all the music and friendship. All our love to Bonnie, Duane and all of the many people saddened by your passing.

Christine Lombardini

April 2, 2017

Hi Drake....you are at peace now without all that pain. I will bet you are back to your old self, walking around whenever you feel like it
When u see my Dad up there, give him a big hug for me. I will miss our talks.
Bonnie wrote a beautiful obituary for you..
Christine

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