NICHOLVILLE - Loyal D. Drake, 85, passed away Thursday, December 9, 2010 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital with the love and support of his family.
A Memorial Service, honoring the life of Loyal will be celebrated Saturday, December 18, at 10 a.m. at the Nicholville United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Shelia Nichols officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted with the Hammill Funeral Home, Winthrop.
He is survived by, his wife of 61 years; JoAnn, his children; Dana and Laureen Drake of Dickinson, Donna Mosier of Potsdam, and Diann and Bruce Henderson of Potsdam; his grandchildren, Nathan and Jannette Drake of Chazy, Jenny and Brian Walker of West Potsdam, Eli Drake of Seattle Wash., Aaron Mosier of Cohoes, Kyle and Sandy Henderson of Potsdam, and Katie Henderson of Potsdam; his great-grandchildren, Savannah, Summer, and Ella Walker.
Loyal was predeceased by his son-in-law Charlie Mosier in 2001, and his three brothers; Loren, Lyndon, and Lester Drake.
Loyal was born on September 10, 1925 in the Town of Lawrence to the late Milo and Jennie (Hanley) Drake. He attended local schools, and then St. Regis Falls High School.
On September 10, 1949 he married the former JoAnn Boulds in Bombay. The two of them shared in a devoted union filled with their hard work, faith, and love.
Loyal exuded a hard work ethic his whole life. He operated his family's farm from the young age of 16 until 1958. He then was employed by Agway, as a contract hauler. Loyal retired in 1990, however JoAnn took on the business and kept it up and running until 1997.
Loyal took much pleasure in sugaring. He shared his hard work ethic with his family, as everyone participated in tapping trees, gathering sap, boiling, and preparing sugar wood.
They enjoyed the fruits of their labor until Ice Storm '98 that took out the family sugar bush.
Loyal also enjoyed spending time at Lake Ozonia with his family. He was an avid reader.
Loyal was a member of the St. Lawrence County Maple Producers, a Mason, and a member of the Nicholville United Methodist Church in which he and his wife were very active.
For those wishing to do so, memorial contributions may be made in Loyal's honor to the Nicholville United Methodist Church, or to the Tri-Town Rescue Squad.
