Editor,

I just read Dick Drake’s recent obituary. My brothers, myself and friends were among the kids who spent a lot of time at the Drake farm during the 1940s. Our family lived only a short distance away on what is now part of the Hammons Reserve.

The Drake farm was our main access to go beach combing. We would hike to their place, cross over the dike to the beach and then walk around Maple Point towards Maxwelton. Our only obstacle was the bull that they kept pastured nearby. I’m not sure the bull was as mean as we thought it was, but we still kept our distance.

I don’t remember Dick being around that much, so we interacted mostly with his brothers, Bud and Tyke. They were the main caretakers of the old Ingleside hall where many Saturday night dances were held. I guess the Drakes had the only cider press around so it got well used in the fall.

The Drakes were certainly a mainstay of our little Cultus Bay community. They were well liked and respected. I am glad to see their memory will be preserved through the Drake Family Foundation Scholarship.

DANIEL & VICKY GRAYBILL

Langley