Born in Victoria, B.C., October 14, 1922, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2015. He was predeceased by his parents, Constance Letitia Lawrence and Brian Halsey Tyrwhitt-Drake. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Nancy Tyrwhitt-Drake, his daughter Elizabeth (Ladi) Holovsky, sons Monty and Guy and 2 grandchildren, James and Thomas Tyrwhitt-Drake.
After graduating from Shawnigan Lake School in 1939, he began his studies at McGill University. World War 2 intervened and Monty served overseas in Europe, landing at Sword Beach on D-Day. Monty met Nancy Lang, a Red Cross ambulance driver, in Belgium in 1945; they were married in June 1946, in Nancy’s hometown of Toronto. Monty graduated from UBC Law School in 1949.
After a short time in Toronto, they moved to Victoria, where he practiced law until appointed to the bench of the County Court in 1962, at that time its youngest member. He served with distinction until his retirement as a Supreme Court Justice in 1997.
Monty will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and wisdom. He was a man of great wit and erudition and he valued brevity. His wide ranging interests found him equally at home fly fishing the rivers of the world, participating in “all things Jane Austen” and a myriad of activities in between.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ewan Cadger and the staff of Sidney All Care. A donation to the Salvation Army is appreciated.
The funeral will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, BC on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 2:30 pm.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
-
Elaine Otter
-
shirley and peter richardson We are sad to know of the recent loss of a wonderful father and guiding spirit. It has served you well, Guy, as you have shown leadership in coming to the rescue of a certain wayward husband on several instances. We wish to offer our condolences and also thank you for your kindness. Sincerely Shirley and Peter
-
Sally Warren I was so sorry to read of the death of dear Judge Montague T.D. I had the extreme pleasure of serving with him (he was the Chair) on the Federal Boundary Commission in 1987. In the course of our duties we visited a number of Interior
communities and it was a delight to benefit from Monty’s extensive knowledge about the history of each area– and,
always, the very best place to eat! While Monty was extremely knowledge in many fields, he also did a wonderful
job of encouraging the rest of us to contribute our views. He guided us to a submission we all felt was balanced,
reasonable and fair.In sum, he was truly a “gentleman and a scholar” — the highest praise my grandmother could ever offer.
His family has my deepest sympathy.
-
Don Malins Dear Nancy,
We are sorry your beloved Monty has died. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you . Elizabeth, Ladi, Monty, Guy, James and Thomas.
We remember happy times shared with you and Monty. He was a fine, caring gentleman. It was a great pleasure to have known him.
May you be comforted by your many fond memories.
God bless you all.
Don, Virginia and Stephen Malins
-
Barbara Dunn I have so many fond memories of the times I spent with the Drakes in their lovely home on St Charles Street. Coming home with Liz after a day at Norfolk House and walking into a kitchen that smelled of home made bread. Spending Halloween at their house after trick or treating at Government House and watching the fireworks that Judge Drake set up in the back yard. Watching the Judge unfold himself out of his tiny Carmen Ghia.
The Drakes were part of my growing up in Victoria and when I think about it I smile. How lucky we all were to have Judge Drake in our lives.
Please know you are all in my thoughts.
With sincere sympathy.
Barb Dunn
-
Sue Culver My father, Dennis Culver, met Monty during WWII, and they remained friends the rest of their lives. Nancy and Eleanor served with the Red Cross overseas, and both couples met in Europe and went on to have long and successful marriages. I remember hearing great stories from their time overseas, and to come to know Nancy and Monty throughout that long friendship. All four took part in the documentary about the Red Cross: Love & Duty, and we gathered at their lovely home with many of the surviving Red Cross gals one sunny day to do interviews. I remember crouching in their library out of sight of the cameras, and marvelling at the age and sheer number of beautiful books gathered around me. When I think of Monty, I think of his warmth, his delightful sense of humour, and his great intellect. He will be missed. I send my warmest condolences to Nancy, one of the sweetest and kindest women I know, who was Monty’s perfect partner.
-
Bill Murphy-Dyson Hello Tyrwhitt-Drake Family.
I will be unable to attend the funeral as I will be in Toronto visiting my granddaughter.
I knew the Judge for most of my life. First when he was a “choir dad” at the Cathedral when singing with Monty and Guy. Then when I went to court as a lawyer appearing before him many times (sometimes successfully and sometimes not!).
He was always respectful, kind and witty. His use of the English language was, of course, legendary.
My condolences to you all.
Bill
-
Gurmit and Jo Ann Sandhu A great life lived. Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Judge Drake. I met Judge Drake many years ago through my late husband, Hank Otter. We visited them at their St Charles St. Home and also at Sydney. They were always very warm and welcoming. My deepest sympathy to Drake family.