William Joseph Drake
Lieu de naissance : St. Jacques, Terre-Neuve, Canada
Lieu de décès : North Sydney, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de décès : 9 août 2009
It is with heart felt sadness we announce the peaceful passing of William Joseph Drake, 87, loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009, at the Harbour View Veterans Hospital, Sydney Mines.
Born in St. Jacques, Newfoundland, he was the son of the late Thomas and Mary Drake.
He was employed with CN Marine for 40 years, where he was chief engineer of the Cabot Strait and the Burgeo. He retired in 1977.
Bill was a beloved member of the community who tirelessly volunteered his time to help others. He played music for the residents at the Northside Guest home for many years. He was an active member of St. Joseph parish, in North Sydney, where he was a lector and played music in the choir. He was a proud 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5109 in North Sydney, as well as a 4th degree member of the Fr. William B. MacLeod General Assembly.
He was a veteran of the Second World War serving with the Merchant Marine. He was a member of the C.B. Naval Veterans Association, and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #19 North Sydney, where he enjoyed playing darts and socializing with friends.
Bill is survived by his sons, David (Tina) and Billy (Grace), both of Cornerbrook, N.L., and his daughter, Carol Anne (Gary Wadden), North Sydney; his brother, Con Drake, North Sydney; and his loving sister, Betty (Stu) Tait, North Sydney. He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Sherry (Richard) Borgo, Jennifer Drake (David), Tom and John Bradbury, Erin Ferguson (Darrell), Alicia Drake; also by his special friends, Dorothy and Joe King.
He was predeceased by his wife, Mildred Jane (Blackmore) Drake, his infant son, Billy, and a brother, Pat.
Visitation for the late Bill Drake will be held Wednesday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A funeral mass will take place 10 a.m. Thursday, from St. Joseph Church, with Rev. Jim Attwood officiating. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. The Knights of Columbus will gather at the funeral home for prayers Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Lung Association or any charity.
Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com.
