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Harry Drake Obituary
Jan 13, 1931 ~ Jul 2, 2017
Harry B. Drake, 86, from Walnut Creek, CA, passed away on July 2, 2017, of natural causes.A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, September 30, at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville.
Harry was born in San Francisco on January 13, 1931. He graduated from SF Polytechnic High and received his B.A. from San Francisco State University in 1953. While at SFSU, he worked as a life guard at the local YMCA.
Following graduation, he lived on Corbett Street, below Twin Peaks, in San Francisco, where he met many lifelong friends and perfected the art of attending and hosting the classic cocktail party.
On November 9, 1963, he married Nancy O'Dell. After having two children, they moved to Orinda, CA, in 1971.
Harry worked in sales for many years. Additionally, he did bookkeeping and served on the Board at Walnut Ave Church Community Preschool in Walnut Creek.
He enjoyed playing tennis, bridge, and coaching youth basketball. He also loved going to the movies, listening to big band and jazz music, following the stock market and spending time with his family.
His most favorite activity was traveling to his cherished vacation spot, Lake Almanor, CA. Over the past 70+ years, he loved spending time with family and friends at this special lake.
Harry is survived by his wife Nancy, his son H.B (and wife Pam); and his daughter Sara (and husband Mickey Schriefer); his grandchildren: Harrison and Katrina Drake, Zach and Sammy Schriefer; and many loving nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and -nephews.
Harry is preceded in death by his parents Harry Willis Drake and Elene Ruhl, as well as his sisters Elene Sue Boyle and Louvina Weichbrodt.
Harry was known as a kind and caring man who loved his family above all else. He had a warm smile, cheerful blue eyes, a quick sense of humor, and made everyone feel special.
In addition to, or in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the YMCA (www.YMCA.net)
The family asks that you share your memories or condolences on Harry's online memorial website at [email protected]
For questions about the service or to contact the family, email: [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harry Drake
4 Entries
Vivian Tse
July 8, 2018
I called Harry today and got a disconnected response. I was hoping that I just misdialed and am heartbroken.
I met Harry 25 years ago in a H&R Block class and we kept in touch. He was always there to give me words of wisdom when I was struggling through anything.
Listening to him speak about his children and grandchildren made me proud to know him. He was a true family man and wonderful person.
Rest, Sweet Harry. I will miss you.
Love,
Vivian
KELLEY
September 20, 2017
MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17
September 19, 2017
I went to Lawton grammar school and polytechnic high school with Harry drake. He lived in the sunset near my home on 25th avenue. I remember he played basketball at poly. A really nice guy. My guess is he got very good grades in high school
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