Obituary of Allan Savoury Drake, St Peters

We, the family of Allan Savoury Drake, regret to announce his passing on Monday, May 29, 2023, at St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish.

Born October 11, 1930 in Belleoram, Fortune Bay, NF, he was a son of the late, Stanley and Winnifred (Savoury) Drake.

Our dad led a very colourful life thanks to his early career as a sailor. He sailed with the Merchant Marine during war time and later with Imperial Oil, which took him all over the world for many years. He was always at his best when he was telling stories. He had a booming radio announcer voice and was a fabulous story teller and we all would be in stitches.

Dad decided on a career change in the early ‘70s and became an iron worker and worked his way through the ranks to a foreman position. He was very proud to say he helped build the Lennox Passage Bridge, the Strait Richmond Hospital, and the Port Hawkesbury Mall. Allan was a hard-working man and a good provider to his family.

A very proud “Newfie”, he would always seek out fellow “Newfies” to have a good “yarn” with. He loved to have a good time and was always up for a party or get together, with lots of Newfie music.

Dad was an animal lover and had a soft spot for his family’s pets.

Surviving are his children, Allan (Doreen), L’Ardoise, Darlene (Greg) Hatchette, Dartmouth, Claudia (Raymond) Barrett, Point Michaud, Tammy (Shaun) Keddy, Halifax, Geraldine Drake, Halifax, Sheila (Brent) MacDonald, L’Ardoise; grandchildren, Dawn, Allan, Gregory, Michael, Jason, Ryan, Robin, Corey, Kiley, Rebecca, and Taylor; Great-grandchildren, Eric, Riley, Lucas, Gracie, Vivienne, Lola, Enzo, Megan, Matthew, Oscar, Jacob, Jessie, Sam, Rook, Carli, and Samantha; brother, Stan, North Sydney; sister Jean, Ontario and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents Allan was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Bernice (Bunny), daughter, Genie; siblings, Levi, Edie, Gertie, Mick, Johnny, and Marion.

At Allan’s request there will be no visitation or funeral service.

Special thank you to the staff at Richmond Villa and to the doctors and nursing staff at St. Martha’s Hospital.

Online messages of condolence can be sent to the family by visiting www.vjmcgillivray.ca