Richard was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan on March 20, 1938, to Arthur and Katie Drake.  He was the oldest of four children.  He attended the Athol country school.  After school Richard began farming, initially helping on the family farm, running a snowplow for the local club, and started raising hogs and eventually buying his own land.

Richard married Willrene Kimmie in 1963 and they moved into the family homestead NW 2-48-17, living in the house built by his grandparents.  With a growing family, Richard and Willrene decided they would build a new house.  Richard worked with his Uncle Harry to harvest and mill trees from the creek on Harry’s property which provided the lumber needed.  Richard, with family help built the new house which was completed in 1972.  Richard was a quiet, private man that loved being on the land, farming, took pride in maintaining the yard site and enjoyed reading, gardening, and visiting with family.  Richard also enjoyed short trips to explore other parts of the province.  Richard and Willrene retired from farming in 2008 and moved off the farm to Melfort in 2022.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother-in law Ken McConaghie.

Richard will be missed by his wife, Willrene, children Arlene (Deidre), Denton (Tammy), Debbie (Bob) and Sandra, his grandchildren, Justin (Sonia), Haley (Jeredd), Dayne (Caitlin), Alex and Amelia, and his great-grandchildren Isla and Ellawyn Jalbert. He will also be missed by his two sisters Pat McConaghie, Judy Haugo and brother Doug Drake, brother-in law Walter Haugo and sister-in law Kathleen Stevenson.

The family would like to express our gratitude for your many kindnesses.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be sent to NORTH CENTRAL HEALTH DISTRICT FOUNDATION INC., charity # 873784110 RR 0001. (Melfort Hospital)