Dr. Michael we will miss you....

Dr. Michael Jeffrey Drake, known to his patients as “Doc”, was born on August 24th 1946 in the state of New Jersey. Michael was born to Allan Drake, a well-known actor and comedian and Janice Hansen-Drake, dancer and Miss New Jersey in the 1944 Miss America pageant. At an early age Michael and his family moved to Queens, NY where he attended public school. Only a month after Michael’s 13th birthday, his mother Janice died on September 25th 1959. Soon thereafter Michael enrolled in military school in Bordentown, NJ. On June 30th 1969 Michael married Renee Lindsey in Yonkers, NJ. They soon moved to Spain where they spent 8 years. While in Spain, Michael attended medical school at Universidad de Barcelona. Michael and Renee moved back to the US where he took residency at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, NY.

Dr. Michael was well known for his amazing personality and unbelievable compassion towards human kind. He was passionate about medicine and it was evident to his patients. Michael believed in treating both the patient and their families. He believed in treating not just the body, but the mind as well. Any of his patients will tell you that their interactions with him were always pleasant. He had a heart, unlike many of today’s doctors, and treated people even if they could not pay him. He was looked up to by many. His biggest fan, however, was his only daughter Kimberlye. Born August 19th 1979 to Michael and Renee, Kim instantly became Michael’s best friend and most treasured companion.

Dr. Michael devoted his life to his family and friends. He looked forward to every moment that he could spend with his daughter Kim. Being an avid Walt Disney fan, he would frequent Disney with his wife and daughter. Michael inherited his father’s comedy and it was quite evident to everyone he encountered. He absolutely loved telling jokes and wouldn’t let you go until you were smiling =) “Doc” was extremely smart. He had a passion for reading and absolutely loved trivia. He could tell you anything about anything.

Family life was very important to Michael. His daughter Kim was later married to Marc Hansel and together they had Kaitlyn (Age 9) and Kylie (Age 6). Michael adored his grandkids and he showed it. He loved Kaitlyn and Kylie and constantly had pictures and drawings from them surrounding him.

Unfortunately, in the past couple of years Dr. Michael’s health had been deteriorating. "Doc" suffered from prostate cancer and passed away Tuesday July 6th 2010. He leaves behind his daughter Kimberlye Drake-Hansel and his granddaughters Kaitlyn and Kylie Hansel.

Dr. Michael will be missed by all. He has left everyone that he encountered with a piece of his memory. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time. We ask that you please take a moment and offer up a prayer for Michael and his family. We also encourage you to share any thoughts that you have. The site has been set up to accept your sympathies for Michael and his family. There is also a section where you can make a donation to the family for funeral arrangements. Dr. Michael was an unbelievable man and was very humble. Unlike many, he was not concerned with having an abundance of money. The family is trying to give him the celebration that he deserves, but funds are extremely limited. The family would appreciate anything that can be given and all donations will be strictly used to pay for funeral arrangements.

We thank you for sharing in this memorial of a wonderful person. We all loved Dr. Michael and will hold him close to our hearts forever.

36 comments:

  1. Lori and I are truly sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers.

    Leo

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  2. Dear family,
    I am so sorry about the passing of the handsome doctor. I am so glad that my son and my daughter met your family. I feel honored; you have a beautiful story! I can tell you that is not easy to deal with death. I am going throught as well. First I lost my dad and then my mom only a few years apart... It's very hard... But God is always there sending angels along to help in the way. Your daddy; doctor; grandpa; husband or friend will always be blessed and at peace with God in eternal life. And God will always be there for you and keep you under His loving care and send you blessings and things that you can't even imagine... You will see, just believe... May God bless each and eveyone of you and if you need anything please don't hesitate to let me know. I love you,
    Norma.

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  3. I love you daddy and miss you so much...

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  4. Our prayers and sympathies are with you Kim & Marc.

    Tom & Stephanie

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  5. My husband and I are so fortunate to have known such a big hearted human being over the last 10 years. His love for people and animals was such an asset to this world. He will be dearly missed. Rene and Kim, you are in John and my prayers. Dana and John curry

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  6. Kim and Renee, the site is beautiful. Only had the pleasure one time to meet your dad, but I am very happy to have had the chance. Always thinking of both of you, and I think dad is looking down right now and very proud. I'm very sorry for your loss. Love you both, Nancy

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  7. Dear Kim & Marc,
    Let there be memories-fond recollections of special occasions and everyday things. Let your heart start on its journey to healing by feeling the comfort remembering brings.
    Let there be memories-pictures, mementos, and favorite stories both funny & sad. Let your mind wander the paths of remembrance, reliving the joys and the good times you've had.
    Let there be memories-signs that our loved ones remain near in spirit long after they're gone...tender, surprising, heartwarming, and welcome-sweet proof of the promise that love will live on.
    Dad was a Very Special man. You're in our thoughts, our heart and our prayers and we love you Very Much.
    Love, Mom and Dad

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  8. Dear Kim, Marc, and Renee,

    Those we love don't go away but are with us in our hearts everyday. The "Doc" will never be forgotten. He was truly an amazing person. If there are angels on earth, he sure was one of them. He cared so much about everyone and he always stood for what was right and fair. He always made everyone smile and sometimes you didn't know if he was serious or just joking but he sure made you leave with a smile. My staff and I loved him and will never, ever forget the amazing person that he was. "Doc, we miss you..."

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  9. To Dr. Drake's family,

    I was a patient of Dr. Drake's for quite a few years. I know I will always remember him for the caring person he was. He always had a joke and a smile and a big personality. He will be missed...

    My thoughts and prayers to the family who loved him.

    Donna

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  10. To Dr. Drake's family & staff,

    I had the wonderful opportunity to be one of Dr. Drake's patients back when he was at the Glades location and then because I told him I would be a life-long patient of his (I was never good at sticking to my diet ;) ...I followed him to his N.Fed location. I had an appointment and spoke with his dear employee Jean who was so supportive as well when doc was a little late...when I returned for my next appt. and found the door locked I just figured oh the doc is running a little late we'll just wait in the car for him until someone from the shopping center came to my car to share with me the devastating news. I was truly in shock and will really miss this amazing, warm, kind and funny doc. He sure put a mark on my heart because most docs aren't as caring as he was. He always joked and said if I would like to take part in my health care...not knowing what he meant he then would proceed to ask me to hold the blood pressure gage. He had a funny way of making you feel relaxed. Thank you for putting this website up because as a patient I really felt lost not knowing how to reach out. I hope that you are okay too Jean and I thank you for talking to me and making me feel okay to return back to the diet program...although now I feel lost again. I hope you will realize what a huge impact doc made on me and others as well...he will truly be missed by many!!
    Sincerely,
    Rosie Presas :(

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  11. To my Lil Sis

    Your dad will always be watching over you. You are in my thoughts always and I am here for you anytime, any place.

    Love You
    Steffi

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  12. I never thought this day would come. You were always strong and never complained about yourself, even at the end. You were always more concered about everyone else. I will miss all the wonderful vacations we took together. I remeber if I looked at something for more than 10 seconds you would buy it for me without me knowing and surprise me later in the day. You were always generous to me and treated me like your son. I will always remember the drives we took and the adventures we went on. The hours we spent at the car dealerships, the dinners we ate, and the gun ranges we visited. I will never forget you and will always miss you.

    Your son,
    Marc

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  13. Dr. Drake was a wonderful person and a wonderful doctor. My sympathies to the family. He will be greatly missed.

    Dorothy Martone

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  14. I'm truly shocked and saddened by this news. I was just a client of his weight loss program, but I always enjoyed my visits to the office and talking with Dr. Drake and Jean. Dr Drake was always jovial, supportive and just a lovely person. He seemed to have a very fatherly nature that always made me feel that he genuinely care about me. He'd have his little dog with him in the office whom he adored and we'd chit chat for 20 minutes about things completely unrelated to the drudgery of my slow weight loss progress. He seemed to have an appreciation for the things that matter most in life, and now I know why. Please accept my most sincere sympathies. I hope you can find comfort in celebrating his warm and generous spirit.

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  15. I'm so shocked and very sad upon hearing this news. Dr. Drake has always been very good to me. He took time to see how I was truly doing. Being that I lost my mother at a young age, we had this tragedy in common. It seemed to always go back to that. It is always so close to a persons heart at the loss of a parent. The same was true for Dr. Drake & I. I really felt his loss & you never get over it. I know this is a very difficult time for your family. Try to remember all the good times and how much he loved his family. He is finally at his final resting place and I believe with his mother again. He must be overjoyed at being with her and his void from his whole life has finally been fulled. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.

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  16. Marcel and Jack GuidoJuly 19, 2010 at 1:40 PM

    We have been blessed to have Dr. Mike as our friend for several years and we were truly shocked and saddened at his passing. We will miss the wit, humor, comaradarie, friendship and that special twinkle in his eye that he had for life and his family. He was so excited about going to his daughters house for Father's Day to see his family. He spoke so highly of his daughter, husband and grandchildren. He will never be forgotten and will always be missed in our hearts.

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  17. Dawn...............July 20, 2010 at 12:15 PM

    I am deeply saddened to have just received this email today, a little late. And also to read the hurtful post above-- was it really necessary? This daughter and her mother are grieving a loss! The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. Proverbs 10:29 And if you truly knew Michael you would know he would find this behavior unacceptable.

    Wow, my emotions are overwhelmed. I have a lot of memories with him so many happy and some sad. Michael came into my life when I was just 18 years old. He was a man of great knowledge, compassion, giving heart and most of all had an unbelievable sense of humor!

    I began his practice with him in North Lauderdale and believe we had about five patients. When I left approximately 15 years later we had two offices and patients too numerous to count- (pre computer era). And to mention that gives me a laugh. On days when it was slow through those first few years he would leave and go to the movies and would give me the task to count the files. He was always surprised when he returned that I actually had a number. He found it humorous and continued giving me the task for a few years until he discovered I had bleeding fingertips from the paper cuts and thenconfessed to me it was a joke.

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  18. Dawn ...........continuedJuly 20, 2010 at 12:18 PM

    He was quite a dapper man who dressed impeccably. This was a man would spill coffee on his tie or suit, disappear out the back door or tell me he was going to the mailbox. When he actually left to go to the mall & purchase a new one, return an hour or two later, walk through the waiting room door and announce, "Dawn! Why didn't you tell me you had all these patients booked?!" Yes he thought it was clever but on days like that is well...

    I have so many stories that would be great to share...Like his shopping addiction, finding a bargain, and coming back like a kid from the candy store with 5 WalMart bags with 20 flashlights, because they were only a dollar, LOL.

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  19. Dawn......continuedJuly 20, 2010 at 12:20 PM

    As his Right hand and office manager for many years I watched him through the years provide free medical care to more than one family, money to families for milk and help more than one college student pay for a class. On some days I would actually hide the cash because he could easily give it all away.

    Unfortunately, I also watched those that took great advantage of his generosity, he knew it but still had a servants heart. He was a man than just kept giving. So Marc's comment above about him looking at something for more than
    10 seconds was the truth! And made me smile. And if you went out to dinner and paused at ordering there would be every glass filled with varieties, bottled waters, appetizers galore and not enough room on the table for one persons main course.

    Going to lunch was always dangerous. Short trips always seemed to turn in adventures. Lunch then shopping for diet coke, a stop at the convenience store to buy a sack full of candy and whatever lil trinkets he could find to bring home to Kimmy, and a trip to the medical book store. He hated the fact that I was always in a rush and one day took my watch of my arm and told me I was no longer allowed to watch the time when in his presence.

    It transformed him when he gave. The most amazing thing is he never wanted anything back, ever. So it made me both sad and angry when I saw that funds were not available for a service to a man who gave to so many.

    If there is one thing I know for sure is the love for his daughter, Kimmy. She was the center of his world, his purpose and would have actually attempted to buy the moon for her if someone would have given him a price. No joke.

    Not every day was easy for Michael, he had a lot of things he struggled with. And it wasn't all from Renee. He had scars from his childhood and sometimes an angry temper.

    We spent many years together and many hours. I knew him pretty well. He was a combo of "Dad" "Big Brother" and "best friend" to me. He was there to celebrate my wedding, shared in the delight of the birth of my daughters and grieved with me in the sudden and tragic loss of my father.

    He became "Uncle Mikey" to my daughters and he encouraged me to have them in the office. They were devastated when they got older to discover he wasn't truly their uncle. I shared this news with them and they talked about playing tic tac toe while I would keep interrupting saying "patients are waiting". They most of all remember the rides in the Porsche and last month showed me the Polaroid he took with them and remembered the love he had for polaroid cameras. I found out he taught my oldest that her left hand was the one with the freckle and they recall the crazy trivia and math he would teach them. Why he was never on Jeopardy is a shame.

    My prayers are with Kimmy and her family to find the strength through God knowing he is truly in a better place where there is no pain.
    For Renee I know she spent many years beside him, believing in him and did love him.

    I know even though our paths separated I have personally never stopped praying for him to be healed.

    I am so grateful to have had him for a season of my life. We shared a passion for diet coke and a golden tan. And also shared many ups and downs. The life experiences with him helped in carving who I am today. I wish I could see him smile or laugh just once more time. But we will reunite in Heaven one day.

    However Michael, I will never spray your head again with "instant hair" LOL.
    Rest in Peace my friend. Dawn =)

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  20. I wish I could have known the good Doc, but I'm sure by knowing Kimmy I see his wonderful qualities everyday. I'm proud to say that his daughter is a wonderful person and amazing friend that he would be very proud of. I am sorry for everyone's loss and will keep Michael and his family in my prayers.

    Jen

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  21. I can't believe it's been a month since I lost you. I miss you so much and I think about you every day. It seems like only yesterday since I spoke to you. I wish I could tell you that I love you one more time... I would do anything just to have you back, even for a little while.
    I love you Daddy

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  22. august07,2010 it has been one month plus a day since we lost one of our true EARTH ANGELS. i along with the people he knew and spent his last years with miss him everyday and will continue to do so for a very long time. its always so surprising what people remember after someone dies, its a shame that alot of them could not even find the time to give him a call or send a card when they had the chance. i have been under his care for quite sometime and remember all the holidays we talked about . wishing that people we had loved so much could just pretend we did not exist. well doc you lived and died your way, a beautiful , loving man to all that were lucky enough to know you in this lifetime. you always said heaven would be waiting with the gates open and of that i have no doubt.

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  23. I love you Michael always have and always will. Someday we will together again!!! Re

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  24. I was thinking of you today. G-d I miss you so much. We wasted a lot of precious time that we could have been together.At least I have you close by. That gives me some comfort.
    Love always and forever R

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  25. Michael, I’m so truly heartbroken to discover you’re gone and deeply saddened to learn of your passing by chance like this. It seems there was always too much distance between us, and far too little time we were given to spend together. I know life has a habit of getting in the way of things that really matter, always so much to do and so little time to spare. I guess the history and wreckage of each of our lives made it too hard for us to stay connected. But I wish we could have found a way and regret that I never had the opportunity to tell you just how proud I have always been to call you my brother.

    Dad always held you up to me as an example to follow…Michael the amazing athlete, superior student, dedicated doctor, honorable husband and fantastic father. The times we did share together, as brothers, I will always hold dear to my heart. Because it’s not the common flesh and blood or even the amount of time we shared together but the spirit that lives on inside us that makes us brothers, forever.

    With great sadness, love and admiration,
    Your kid brother - Cary

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  26. Wow Cary, I have been trying to find you on the computer. My dad always spoke so highly of you. I would love to talk to you. You are the only living relative of my dad besides me. I do hope we can get in touch with one another. kkmk44@comcast.net. Kimmy

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  27. Well sweetheart, it's Thanksgiving again. It was only one year ago that we had dinner with my sisters at bonnye's house. It was so good to have the family together again. I am truly glad they had the opportunity to spend time with you.
    I think of you all the time and especially around the holidays. I'll be with Kim, Marc, and the grandkids. We all miss you!
    Love Re

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  28. I knew you for 10 plus years. I wish we had known each other when we were both young. It is soooo... painful growing up. You made me laugh, again and again. I think of you often. I wish you could have stayed a while longer. At least we made it through the Bush years together. I couldn't have done it without you. I love you and will see you in the stars. Shirlee Knott

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  29. I am shocked to see the passing of Michael, leaving wonderful children and grandchildren. I was searching for Michael as a request of June his Grandmother, now 86, she had a feeling something was wrong so I did a search for her. I see Michael died on his grandfathers birthday, my dad, Harold F Hansen, he died at 96 years. I guess we could have shared alot over the years, but, not sure of issues. Guess we will never know. Harold C Hansen

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  30. Harold I was surprised to see your posting. Michael would have loved to hear from you. We talked about June and your dad frequently. If you can contact me on face book I would love to speak with you and your mom and catch you up on everything.

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  31. Hi Kim & Renee

    My sincerest condolence on the loss of your dad. My name is Randy Jennings from Myrtle Beach SC and I was a friend of your Dad and his Dad back in the 60's. My Father had a few night clubs in Myrtle Beach SC and Allan and Michael came down the summer of 62 and Michael and I became acquainted, I visited New York and met your Mom (Renee) that same summer and Michael took me to the World's Fair.

    I stayed in touch with Allan until his death in 1986, and got to see him in Miami, Las Vegas and at the house in Tarzana when I would visit California during the 70's & 80's, Allan would keep me up-to-date during that time, but Michael was always in school or living somewhere else. I tried a couple of time to get in touch when he came back from Spain and was at the Jamaica Hospital in Queens, I spoke with Michael one time but I don’t think he remember me or was busy and did not have time to talk.

    I am sorry that I found out a year too late to get reacquainted. I did a Google search and found the Memorial page. I would love to talk to you and Renee, if you don’t mind my numbers and email is below. My wife and I still live in Myrtle Beach.

    I hope this gets through to you and I hear back. It has been a very long time.

    Randy Jennings
    rjennings2553@gmail.com
    843-450-5800

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  32. Happy birthday, Michael. I think about you often and the empty space left behind in all of our lives when we lost you far too soon. But the memory of the way you lived and the way you loved those around you lives on in each of us. Your kid brother - Cary

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  33. Looking up Michael, as I retire in Fl, saddened to learn of his passing.

    L

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  34. I was searching for a current phone number for Dr. Drake and came across this page. I am shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. It almost doesn't seem possible. I was a patient of his while he was on Glades and then for a bit when he moved. He was like no one I had ever met. I looked forward to my appointments and enjoyed every minute with him. He was so funny and I loved to make him laugh too! When I first time I met him I thought he was so full of himself (in a good way) but then realized that all this trivia he spewed out was actually true! Someone else said that it was a shame he was never on Jeopardy and I agree. I found him to be very sweet and caring underneath all the humor and stories. I think it is a trajedy that he is no longer with us, this man who was larger than life and contributed positively to everyone he met. What a waste. My thoughts go out to his family, I am truly sorry for your loss. He was a special person.
    Karlan

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  35. I was thinking of you today and i decided to check your website. Time has passed by so quickly since your death. Kimmy had a little boy. She named him Logan Michael. He reminds of you. I love him for both of us.

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  36. Thinking of you on your birthday. I miss you brother!

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