We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear Father, William Dudley Jecks Drane on October 25th, 2010, in Victoria, B.C. Dad finally got his wish “to be upstairs with Mildred.”
Dad was born on May 5th, 1921 in Victoria to Dudley Jecks Drane and Ethel Maude May Faulkner. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mildred, December 29th, 1991. He is survived by his 3 children Steven; Beverly (Keith) Thompson; Gerald (Theresa) and his favorite grandson, Alistair Thompson.
Dad was a proud World War II Veteran and was the first person in Victoria to volunteer when the War broke out. He served three years overseas as a tank driver in Italy, France and Holland with the British Columbia Dragoons 9th Canadian Armoured Regiment. When he returned home, he married Mildred and got on with raising a family. Dad was a very talented and innovative man who built his own home, garage, boats and whatever else his family needed. He was a very kind, gentle and independent man.
Over the last few years, after mom’s passing, and due to encroaching health challenges, dad fought the good fight to maintain his independence. He was blessed with many good and loyal friends, namely, our dear uncle Gord Beale, who always stood by; Ken and Vernie Langrish, whose delicious family dinners he always enjoyed; also Grace Bird and Doug Hanson.
Dad passed away in the Lodge at Broadmead, where he had resided since 2007. The Drane family is deeply grateful to the staff at Broadmead for their kind and diligent care.
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Friday, October 29th, 2010 at 1:00 pm in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to the Broadmead Care Foundation. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
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Bob Carter
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Peg Le Vert & Larry Clarke Steve,
Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Peg and Larry
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Katheryn MacDonald Dear Steve and Family,
It is with sincere condolences that I offer this message to all of you. I did not get the opportunity to meet your father but, by all accounts, he was a fascinating man and I regret not having met him. I extend my sympathy at your loss.
Yours, Kat
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Dick Lam To the Drane Family:
I was so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We used to meet for coffee every Wednesday after we both retired. Bill was very interesting to talk and had many wartime stories to tell us. I know he really missed your Mom as he often spoke of her. Rest in peace, Bill.Dick Lam (my wife Doris also sends her condolences)
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Anne Carlson Dear Steve and the Drane family,
We’re very sorry to know of the loss of your dear Dad, and offer our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences for your sorrow.
Anne and Bruce,
Evelyn and Lou Carlson and Family
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Donna Sawkins Steve and family,
I can feel your pain at your father’s passing. May he rest in peace after having fought the wonderful battle called life. Smile at the memories and cherish each one.Donna Sawkins
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Jamie Pitts I missed you even yeastrday and now you have passed. You where the kindest, loveing nieghbor any family could ask for. My eyes are teared but I know you are at peace and at last reunited with the wife you have been longing to hold for so long. Rest in peace Bill. I think about you every time I look out your chestnut tree I know you loved so much.
To the Drane Family,
You father was a wonderful gentle man I cared very deeply for. I hope your heart ach eases with time. I think in a way this really is a celibration for him. He is happy once again, I can feel it in my heart and in time I hope you will too.
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axel benzon A respected and much-loved head of family has passed, yet he lives through the good deeds and citizenship of his progeny. I extend heartfelt synpathy to son, Steven, who,based on our friendship and business dealings, embodies many of the qualities of his late father.
Another D Day Doger is off to the White Regiment. Take care Steve.