Francis Drake

In loving memory of Frank Drake “The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.” – G.K Chesterton Francis “Frank” Edward Drake, 89 of San Luis Obispo, California, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2017 of natural causes. Frank was born in Seattle, WA on September 26, 1927, the only child of Joseph and Marie Drake. He graduated from O’Dea High School. After graduation, Frank enlisted in the US Navy, where he was stationed in San Francisco during the final years of WWII. After the war, he attended Seattle University. Frank had a passion for politics, which evolved when he served as Assistant Sergeant at Arms of the Washington State Legislature. In 1950, Frank married the late Kathleen Drake (nee LaFortune). They had 7 children together. During this time, he was self-employed as a contractor and then worked as an electrician for Boeing Corp. Frank married to the late Doris C Eaton (nee Iles), in 1963. They were together for over 35 years, until her death in 1998. He was stepfather to her four children. During this time, Frank accepted a position with PG&E. The couple moved to Santa Cruz, California and eventually they settled in San Luis Obispo when construction began on the Diablo Canyon Power Plant in 1970. There he held the position of Los Padres District Budget Director until his retirement in 1987. Frank found love again when he met Connie Garner (nee Cochran) at a friends surprise party. They were married June 24, 2000 and have devotedly spent the past 17 years together. Frank was active in several civic organizations and Charities such as Kiwanis Club, Elks Lodge, Special Olympics, and has supported Hotline, the Women’s Shelter, the Mental Health Assn and Hospice. Frank had a huge heart and encouraged and assisted many in need. At times he made have seemed a bit gruff, but was actually more of a big teddy bear and was known for lovingly teasing others. He loved kids and help start the first Children's Museum in SLO. Frank was a robust singer and energetically supported the arts. He was an active parishioner of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector, as well as supporting their music ministry. Frank was an avid reader and also enjoyed cooking and catering charitable events. The recipient of numerous civic and humanitarian awards including: SLO Citizen of the Year, United Way Humanitarian of the Year, Kiwanian of the Year, Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award, and Special Olympics Service Award, Frank was always quick to give the credit to others. Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Connie; son, Joseph Drake; daughter, Mary (Osman) Guven; son, Thomas (Denise) Drake; daughter, Margaret Mulroney; son, James (Lauren) Cline; daughter, Ellen (Jeannie) Savidge; son, Robert (Cheryl) Laroche; step children, Judy Fizer, Michele (Robert) Alexander, Toni Jenson, Greg (Patti) Eaton, Michael (Dee) McBade, John (Belinda) McBade, 26 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; several cousins and five nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie; his first wife, Kathleen; his second wife, Doris; his granddaughter Nicole. Frank was a loving, caring and generous person who was devoted to God and exemplified the true spirit of giving. He enjoyed sharing a meal and breaking bread with people. He will will be remembered for his intelligence, strong work ethic, and corny sense of humor. Frank will be greatly missed. “The song is ended, but the melody lingers on..." - Irving Berlin

Francis Drake

September 26, 1927 - January 21, 2017