Alan Drake, 61, passed away on May 14, 2012, after complications from a 2007 stroke, which left him quadriplegic. During the Vietnam War, he served in the Air Force as a flight crew chief. After earning two bachelors and one masters degree from UNF in psychology, computer information systems, and business psychology, he worked with ISF and Zurich Insurance Services until his stroke.

Alan was best known by his friends, however, for his loyalty, compassion, and ever-unique perspective on all that life had to offer. He had been a magician, a comic, an escape artist, a woodworker, and brilliant systems analyst. He was also known as more than a “jack of all trades, but master of nearly all trades.”

Most of all he will be remembered for the kindness and expertise he gave so freely to his family and friends, who always came first, even if it involved wrestling a wild gator. One friend described him as a “survivor even if he were the last man on earth, it would be because of his persistent, never-give-up-attitude.” That attitude carried him and all who loved him in his last five years. His smile was not unlike that of Nelson Mandela or the Dalai Lama. He will never be forgotten by those who worked with him, cared for him, and particularly all who loved and were close to him. His knowledge, wisdom, and compassion will be passed on by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Marlo, and several relatives from the west and east coast of the country. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Northeast Florida Community Hospice. Visitation will be from 4-6 PM on Tuesday, May 22 at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home (940 Cesery Blvd). Memorial Service will be Saturday, May 26: 11AM, The Unity Church, 634 Lomax Street.