John Drake, 93, of Sun Valley, Idaho, passed away on July 1, 2014, at St. Luke’s hospital in Ketchum, Idaho.
John was born May 24, 1921, in Kane, Penn., to Daniel and Myrtle Drake. John started his life in Pennsylvania with a quick stop in Florida, then moved on to southern California, arriving in 1932. He married Patricia Fay in Ely, Nev., on April 23, 1949.
John graduated from the California Institute of Technology with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He was involved in long-range planning and research at the Marquardt Aircraft Co. in the San Fernando Valley in southern California. John spent most of his working career in the aerospace industry. In 1946, he came to Sun Valley for the first time to ski and in 1982 retired and moved to Sun Valley where he could continue his passion for skiing. John spent his whole life pursuing his love of skiing, camping and bike riding.
John was the president of the Rotary Club at the time the club was developing the Rotary Park in Ketchum.
John is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Pat, of Sun Valley; his son Martin and daughter-in-law Sue; his son Randall; two brothers, Daniel and James; grandsons Denver and Byson; granddaughter Shannon; and four great-grandchildren, all of Santa Cruz, Calif.
John lived his life with dignity, integrity and enthusiasm. We shall miss him. There is no memorial planned at this time. His remains were donated to the University of Utah Teaching Hospital.
Arrangements are under the care of the Wood River Chapel.
