GARLAND DRAKE OBITUARY
Garland D Drake (91) passed away on 25 Dec 2020 in Ivins, UT after a brief stay at the Southern Utah Veterans Home. Born on 9 Apr 1929 in Driggs, Teton, Idaho Garland was raised on a farm but he always had grander aspirations. He would sneak a book under his shirt to escape the drudgery of chores and read about exotic places and exciting ideas.
He contracted polio as a young teen and recovered, but experienced lasting effects for the rest of his life. He graduated from Boise High school in 1947 and went on to study pharmacy at Idaho State University.
After two years of college, Garland was drafted into the Korean conflict in 1952. He served in the 45th & 25th medical battalion (Thunderbird Division). While very close to the front lines near Seoul he used any extra money he had to purchase beer cases to line the perimeter of his tent two deep to help him feel more secure.
He returned home after his service to complete his schooling at ISU. While there, Garland met and married Shirley Kay Davis June 1st 1957 in Pocatello, ID. They lived for a time in Astoria, OR, Alameda, CA, Merced, CA, La Mirada, CA and eventually Whittier, CA. While there they adopted their son, Ken David Drake and moved to La Habra, CA and then on to Riverside, CA where they soon adopted their second child, Linda Kay Drake. There they made their home for the next 40 years.
Garland was color-blind which occasionally led to interesting wardrobe choices and brief episodes of panic for passengers at intersections.
Garland worked as a pharmacist at Bush, Payless, Sav-on, Walgreens, and then Thrifty Drug stores throughout So. California. But his favorite location was the Canyon Crest Towne Centre where he was THE pharmacist for many years.
After retirement Garland and Shirley eventually moved to Hurricane, UT where Garland enjoyed visiting the beautiful local attractions such as Zions, Snow Canyon, Sand Hollow & Cedar Breaks.
Interests: Motorcycles, Cameras, Books, Science Magazines, Plants, Dachshunds
Garland is preceded in death by: his father – Fred Augustus Drake, his mother – Lorraine Maude Robertson, infant sisters – Anita Corine Drake & Delores Drake, older brother – Larry Dale Drake, older sister – Gloria Mae Drake (Nourse), and daughter – Linda Kay Drake (Peralta). He is survived by: younger sister – Beverly Jeanne Drake (Nyborg), spouse – Shirley Kay Davis (Drake), son – Ken David Drake (Sheron Izatt), 8 grandchildren (Amber, Joel, Jessica & Jared Drake – Alise, Amanda, Michael, and Anastasia Peralta) and 8 great-grandchildren.
The family wants to express their gratitude to the wonderful team at SUVH. They took such good care of him in his last days. If you’re looking for the best online obituary, this is it.
Published by Deseret News on Dec. 31, 2020.
