Michael J. Drake

FUNERAL HOME

Adair Funeral Homes & El Encanto Memorial Crematory - Avalon Chapel

8090 North Northern Avenue

Oro Valley, Arizona

Michael Drake Obituary

Dr. Michael J. Drake (1946-2011) Mike passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 21, surrounded by his wife and close friends. "Larger than life" is a wonderful way to remember the man who approached every day with a relentless optimism. He was born in Bristol, England in 1946, the first child of Allen and Betty Drake. It was his love of the American West, however, that brought him to Oregon and then Arizona in the 1960's. A Tucsonan to the core, he spent the last 40 years contributing to the local community. His scientific career at U of A's Lunar and Planetary Lab sought answers to fundamental questions about the formation of the solar system and the origins of water on Earth. Under his guidance, the Lab reached international recognition, culminating in his guiding role in landing the OSIRIS-REX mission last July for the U of A. He believed implicitly in the capacity to make the world a better place through education and scientific advancement. It was with this guiding principle that he continued to teach undergraduates while running the Planetary Sciences department and continuing his own experiments. To his family, Mike was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and son. An avid off-roader, he was never far away from his next trip to Utah's Maze district in his lifted and locked 4x4 Jeep. He famously sank the vehicle more than once in rivers too deep to cross. His travels took him to all corners of the world and with that global eye, he saw a genuine goodness in others. He loved to say that every generation must leave the world a better place for their children. Mike's life, career and love stayed true to that principle to the end. His true legacy is that the many lives he touched shall carry that message onward for generations to come. He is survived by his wife, Gail; children, Matt and Melissa; daughter-in-law, Carynne; sister, Lis; father, Allen and granddaughter, Ellie. He will forever be missed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the UMC Foundation through www.umcarizona.org in Mike's memory. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Sep. 25, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Drake

8 Entries

Marty Tomasko

October 15, 2011

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 support was the difference between completing the instrument in time for the launch or causing us to fail in our efforts to provide the instrument. His guts to commit the reputation of the lab and the university to support our work was essential. I will always remember his critical support when he so easily could have chosen the "safe" course and lost our program. I will always be grateful for his understanding and support for this work. He will be greatly missed.

October 5, 2011

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

Ashley Lott

September 25, 2011

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

Amy Phillips

September 25, 2011

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 will forever be with me.

Sandy Hall

September 25, 2011

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 bacchanalian pig roasts and so on. Then there was the Charlie Chaplin side--wearing a fireman's hat to Xmas dinner in 1979, ending up in the pool at your wedding reception... Oh, life was a grand celebration every day, with your rascally spirit to spice things up. Dear Mike, thank you for being a true and caring friend for over 40 years. My heart goes out to Allen, Gail, Lis, Bob and your nephews, Melissa, Matt and his family.

September 25, 2011

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

September 25, 2011

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 colleagues he has inspired.

The University of Arizona was very lucky to have such an inspired man and Michale was fortunate to have such a great University community to be inspired by.

Thank you Michael Drake for the legacy we were so fortunate to be a small part of and Godspeed on your greatest journey.

Matt Drake

September 25, 2011

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

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