Dean FENTON DRAKE

Dean Fenton Drake passed away August 18, 2022. Fenton was born in Seattle but spent his formative

years exploring and navigating the extreme beauty and rough industry of Burke Canyon near Wallace, ID. He grew his faith, education, and athletic prowess at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy in Wallace where he also gained a lifelong connection to the Sisters of Providence. He moved to Spokane his senior year in high school, graduating from Gonzaga Prep. He graduated from St. Martin's College in 1960 where he was a standout basketball player for four years, making lifelong friends in fellow students, players, and coaches. While he succeeded at track and field and was a lifelong runner, his greatest passion was basketball. He played in competitive recreation leagues in the Army and beyond, and coached his kids and others at St. John Vianney. At 6'5" he could be an imposing figure but his big heart showed through as a coach.

Fenton met the love of his life, Rita, and upon her graduation from nursing school they were married in 1965. They had four children, somehow enduring the death of their oldest son as a young child, while raising their remaining children with so much love and respect. Fenton, known as Dean to his military friends, had a distinguished military career. He liked to say as a college graduation present, Uncle Sam sent him a draft notice. He embraced the challenge, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam surviving the 7 times his aircraft was shot down and amassing 26 Air Medals among numerous other awards, including the Bronze Star. He was so proud to have served, but most of all spoke often about the grace he felt to return in one piece and put that appreciation into his family, faith and friends. Fenton was proud of his hard work in several other career experiences including setting carbon at Kaiser and running grain elevators in the Spokane/Palouse area. For years after retirement, into his70s, he enjoyed his "fantasy farming" where he bucked bales to stay in shape, always with a twinkle in his eye when he outworked others who were decades younger. He met so many amazing friends on the Peone Prairie.

Fenton loved the outdoors. He had so many amazing adventures hunting and hiking. First in the Blue

Mountains of Oregon where Rita's family embraced his adventurous spirit, and his willingness to hike

out of the deepest canyons. He spent decades in the mountains of northeast Washington with so many

family and close friends. He explored north Idaho and Montana where he was always finding a new

challenge. He had such enthusiasm and instantly connected with fellow adventurers, once breaking

down in Helena, Montana, getting assistance from a stranger who became a lifelong friend with whom he explored the Bob Marshall and Breaks of the Missouri. Many have shared they may not have fully

understood what they were getting into when they went for a hiking trip with Fenton, returning with stories of excitement, disbelief and a newfound interest in the wilderness.

Fenton and Rita loved to travel and explore whether it was a new continent or a new cross-country path to church. Rita was his constant companion, from hiking into the wilderness to traveling abroad. They enjoyed vacations with new and old friends across Europe, Africa and Australia including a

meaningful visit to Fenton's ancestral homelands in Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast. They loved to

walk, whether abroad or at home they were always up for some exercise.

Fenton is preceded in death by his son and our constant guardian angel, Fenton Christopher, and

parents, Sidney Fenton and Rose Catherine. Fenton is survived by his family he loved and cherished so

much, wife of 57 years, Rita, and children Franca Drake, Christopher (Michele) Drake, Susie (Rick) Jones,

and his granddaughter, who he bragged about constantly, Emily Drake. While the family misses him greatly, we know he lived and will live on in many friends and family members' hearts and take comfort that he has joined the chorus of angels in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sisters of Providence, 1810 Lind Ave. SW Renton, WA 98507 and St. John Vianney School, 501 N Walnut Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John Vianney Church on Thursday, September 1st at 11 am with a rosary preceding at 10 am. Reception to follow services in the parish hall.

Please share your memories of Fenton on his Tribute Wall at www.HennesseyValley.com.