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BORN
1941
DIED
2022
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Russell Drake Obituary
January 22, 1941 - March 16, 2022
Russell C. Drake, 81, of Buellton, California passed away on March 16, 2022. He was born in Tucumcari, New Mexico on January 22, 1941, where he grew up on a ranch. Ranching was in his blood from the start. He received his first break in the horse business in 1958 working on Thomas Farms in Glendora, California with manager Bill Foy. From there he worked at Three Rings, and then moved to Santa Ynez Valley in 1971 with his young family to work for Mr. and Mrs. Powers. He turned his passion for ranching and Thoroughbred 's into a lifelong career that he loved. He retired in 2018 after spending 43 years managing River Edge Farm.
He is survived by his children from his first marriage Randy Drake, Rusty Drake, Rich Drake, Roger Drake, and Robin Tinius. He has 5 grandchildren; Ryan, Megan, Reilly, Regan, and Raina and 2 great grandchildren; Roman and Relena. He is also survived by his spouse Darlene Drake and her children Lisa Goodall and Mark Goodall. He is preceded in death by his siblings Janet Bell, June McAda, and Ronnie Drake.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Drake
Sponsored by Starbuck-Lind Mortuary - Lompoc.
4 Entries
Dennis Marquez
December 11, 2024
I grew up with Russell in Tucumcari and would like someone to contact me to reminisce about Russell and LaDonna.
Sherrie Hunt
March 23, 2022
Russell I will always remember you! You gave a fresh out of high school girl a chance to learn more about horses and foaling. Your early morning breakfasts always made my morning! What a wonderful horse person and boss you are!
Thank you for your warm smile and sweet smile!
Sandy Brown
March 20, 2022
Oh Russell I'm going to miss you so much! Your sense of humor, your vast and encyclopedic knowledge of horses and your incredible kindness. You and Darlene always showed me such deep friendship and I will never forget that...or you. Your generosity was legendary and I always say the hardest thing I have ever done was trying to pay a dinner check when you were around. You were a truly great man and there are so few like you around anymore. Deepest sympathy to Darlene and all your family. I will always remember you and everything you taught me.
Sharon Cooper
March 19, 2022
We created many happy memories with Russell and Darlene first in the back country then camping at Montana de Oro. He was very generous to our family and will be missed. Rest in beautiful peace, Russell.
Carlton and Sharon Cooper and Tina Van Zandt.
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