Obituary of Eric Melvin Drake

Eric Melvin Drake

St. George’s, NL

Dec. 1, 1957 – May 12, 2022

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that our family announce the peaceful passing of Eric Melvin Drake on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at The Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital, Stephenville, NL with his family at his bedside at the age of 64 years after a short and courageous battle with Cancer.

He will be forever remember, loved and missed by the love of his life and wife Verna; precious daughters:  Vonita (Ryan), Valissa; son-in-law Denver; poppy’s pride and joy: Eric, Brooklyn, Max and Blake.  Also leaving to mourn sons:  Patrick, Derek, Joshua and Bradley.  He is survived by his sisters:  Avis, Barb, Denise (Jack), Hilda (Terry), Debbie (Mary), Jerrianne (Gary); brothers:  Colin, Wayne; godson Michael; goddaughter Emily and numerous nieces, nephews and brothers and sisters-in-law cousins and friends.

A contagious smile and hearty laughter. A man of many talents which lead to several opportunities across Canada, but his heart remained in Newfoundland.  Upon retiring and returning to Newfoundland he immersed himself back into his love of hunting and fishing.  He was a great guide with many racks, numerous stories, countless friends and a true Toronto Maple Leaf fan.  His legacy will forever live on in all the lives who were blessed to know him.  A legacy he was so eager to share with his grandchildren.

He was pre-deceased by his parents William & Lucy Drake; brothers:  Max, Walter, Billy, Gerard; sister Annie; infant son Eric; parents-in-law Edward & Zita LaSaga; special uncles Augustus and Gordon Muise.

Special thanks to Dr. Sheila Lewis for her compassion, exceptional care and support she provided Eric during his illness.  To his chemo nurses, Coleen, Leah, Monica, Lisa, palliative care nurses, Dr. Lester, Dr. Greenland (oncologist), St. George’s Pharmacy thank you all for your caring support.

To honor and respect Eric’s wishes, cremation has taken place at Humber Valley Cremation, Pasadena, NL.  Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 15^th between the hours of 2 - 4 & 7 – 9 p.m from Fillatre’s Funeral Home, Stephenville Crossing, NL.   The funeral service will take place on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 10 a.m. from St. Joseph’s Church, St. George’s, NL with Father Edmund Dantes officiating.  Inurnment will take place following the service in the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Court House Rd., St. George’s, NL.

As expressions of sympathy flowers are graciously accepted or donations may be made to a charity of ones’ choice.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fillatre’s Funeral Home, Stephenville Crossing, NL.