Gus and Ellen Drake
Gus lost his ferocious nine-month battle with COPD on Sunday, December 27, 2015 at home, in Forestport, NY, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born August 21, 1952 in Suffern, NY to Allen R. and Audrey (Snyder). After high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served at Fort Ord, CA.
Upon discharge, he moved to the Adirondack Mountains where he had fond memories growing up with visits to his cousin and fishing partner Bill Wanamaker’s family camp in Raquette Lake.
In 1972 he convinced his parents and the rest of the family to move up to Inlet and purchase Babcock’s Restaurant, now Drake’s Inn.
In June of 1974 Gus found the love of his life, Ellen (Mitchell) Drake and they were happily married for 41 years.
Gus worked many jobs over his career; head caretaker at Little Moose Lodge, driving the bug sprayer, grooming the snowmobile trails with old bed springs, cook, bartender, handyman at Drake’s Inn, cook, bartender, handyman at Big Moose Inn, lumberjack for Payne & Levi Sawmill, carpenter, plumber, electrician for JR Risley Sales and Service, then Lutz Engineering and finally retired to buy the Otter Lake Station in 2007 with his family.
Gus leaves his loving wife Ellen, daughter Sam (Dan) Drake-Krantz, son Steven (Allison) Drake, mother Audrey, sisters Susan (Bob) Waltersdorf and Penny (Shane) Beach. Brother Allen “Beaner” (Margot) Drake, sister-in-law Paula Jones-Drake, grandchildren Montana Burrell, Savanna, Austin and Logan Krantz, Lucas Drake and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father Allen and his brother Mike. We would like to thank Dr. Socash for his care and concern and Hopsice for making it possible for him to be at home.
There will be no services, but a Celebration of his life will be held at the Eagle Bay Firehall on Saturday, January 9 (his father’s birthday) starting at 2 p.m.
Please consider donations to the Forestport Fire Department Rescue, 11965 River Rd., Forestport, NY 13338 or the Old Forge Ambulance, P.O. Box 1170, Old Forge, NY 13420 in his name.
As Montana would say, “FISH ON, POPPY.”
by Linda Weal
An exhibit featuring the work of local mixed-media artist Patti Delano will open with a reception at the Old Forge Library on Friday, January 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. The public is invited and refreshments will be served.