Steven Allen Drake

Gus lost his ferocious 9 month battle with COPD Sunday 12/27/2015 at home, in Forestport NY, surrounded by his loving family. He was born 8/21/1952 in Suffern NY to Allen R and Audrey (Snyder) Drake. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Army where he served at Fort Ord CA. Upon discharge, he moved to the Adirondack Mountains where he had fond memories growing up with visits to his cousin and fishing partner Bill Wanamaker's family camp in Raquette Lake. In 1972, he convinced his parents and the rest of the family to move up to Inlet and purchase Babcock's Restaurant, now Drake's Inn. In June of 1974 Gus found the love of his life, Ellen (Mitchell) Drake and they were happily married for 41 years. Gus worked many jobs over his career; head caretaker at Little Moose Lodge, driving the bug sprayer, grooming the snowmobile trails with old bed springs, cook, bartender, handyman at Drake's Inn, cook, bartender, handyman at Big Moose Inn, lumberjack for Payne & Levi Sawmill, carpenter, plumber, electrician for JR Risley Sales and Service, then Lutz Engineering and finally retired to buy the Otter Lake Station in 2007 with his family. Gus leaves his loving wife Ellen, daughter Sam (Dan) Drake-Krantz, son Steven (Allison) Drake, mother Audrey, sisters Susan (Bob) Waltersdorf and Penny (Shane) Beach, brother Allen"Beaner" (Margot) Drake, sister-in-law Paula Jones-Drake, Grandchildren Montana Burrell, Savanna, Austin and Logan Krantz, Lucas Drake and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father Allen and his brother Mike. We would like to thank Dr. Socash for his care and concern and Hospice for making it possible for him to be home. There will be no services, but a Celebration of his life will be held at the Eagle Bay Firehall Sat. 1/9/16 (his father's birthday) starting at 2:00. Please consider donations to the Forestport Fire Dept. Rescue, Otter Lake Fire Dept. Rescue or the Old Forge Ambulance in his name. As Montana would say, "FISH ON, POPPY"