DRAKE, George
George Drake was a big man with a big heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He died of cancer on
Wed. Sept. 26 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital at the age of 68. I can hear George saying, “Well
there is nothing funny about that last line.”
His love of many years Ann Nicholson was at his side, as she has been throughout his illness. Her sister
Sharon was also with them. The three of them had many an adventure from Chase the Ace treks to
Inverness, to weekend New York Times Crossword Puzzle competitions, to Christmas at his sister Rose’s
with George and Rose cooking up a storm and happy faces all around. He loved to cook and was good at
it. No one made codfish and scrunchins like George.
He was proud of his Newfoundland roots and had a love of boats and the water. George’s first job, at
age 11 or 12, was going sword fishing with his father for weeks at a time. He had many warm memories
of those times.
When George first learned he had cancer, he asked Ann to look after Oscar when he was gone. He loved
that big Maine Coon cat and nursed him back to health many times after attacks by foxes or eagles right
in the back yard. That first day he gave Ann the news, he ran his fingers through his thick head of hair
and out came a clump. Chuckling he said, “Well, I never expected that.” He always looked younger than
his years because his hair was a rich light brown, no sign of grey, and his face was as smooth as a baby’s
bottom.
George had his First Class Stationary Engineer’s Certification and was promoted to Shift Supervisor, at a
very young age, at Point Tupper Generating Station, and continued his career with Nova Scotia Power,
until his retirement. He loved warm climates and vacations in Barbados, working on his car or truck,
renovating his house, taking great care to choose just the right fixture or paint colour. He had a good eye
for what worked well together and the patience to wait when necessary to get things just right. He was
clever and cool headed, not one to lose his temper. When you travelled or worked with George you had
stimulating conversation and more than a laugh or two. He was always learning and always planning
new projects, even up to his final days, wanting to make sure everything was in order, even the projects
he would not get to see.
George is survived by his soulmate, Ann Nicholson; his sister, Rose, (Chal), Louisbourg; great niece, Kadie
Drake; nephew, David Neal and his wife Ivory and children, Michael and Georgie. He was predeceased
by his parents, George and Rose Drake; as well as a nephew, Drake Denomme.
George cared deeply for friends and family and all forms of life. He will be missed by so many.
Visitation for George will take place Saturday, October 6, 2018 from 12-2 p.m. at S.W. Chant and Son
Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney.
A celebration of his life will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Sheldon Chant to
officiate. Family flowers only.
Messages and memorials may be made to the family at www.chantfuneralhome.ca.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Chant’s Funeral Home.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de George David Drake December 3 1949 September 26 2018 (age 68)..
Décès pour la Ville: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia
