22/12/2024
Jack Drake was well known in the East Otago area for his involvement in farming, rugby, rodeos and anything to do with horses including breaking in, saddle making and farrier work.
Jack moved to Australia in the early 1980s with his 2 young children Vicky and Jeff where he continued this line of work until he discovered his true passion was in writing, preforming poetry and comedy leading to 100s of gigs and countless awards, the highlight being awarded “Australian bush poet of the Year”.
Jack also had several books published, mostly about historical Australian characters some of which took several years of research before publication, helped by his wife Stella.
Jack and Stella lived on their farm, Red Gum Ridge, not far from Stanthorpe in Southern Queensland where Jacks wish to die at home was honored by Stella and her daughter Tamara who became his palliative carers till he died.
I was privileged to have several conversations with Jack before he died, he often spoke about how fortunate he was to be able to live his life following his passions and dreams.
He never took credit for helping others to do this and didn't really see himself as a role model I think he just enjoyed helping others as a matter of course.
Jack was instrumental in helping me get started making saddles in the 1970s, a career that's lasted over 5 decades.
I visited Jack many times in Australia over the last 30 years nearly always involving a road trip to another far off place. Those trips will always be high on the list of my happy memories..
Farewell Jack my best friend and mentor.
