Dr. Richard F. Drake, beloved husband, father and grandfather died November 26, 2018 at age 85. Richard was born September 4, 1933 in Washington DC where he lived until he was 12. His family then moved to Oregon where they had long standing roots. His ancestors came across on the Oregon trail in the 1850s. He attended Beaverton High School, Willamette University and Oregon Health Sciences University medical school. While at OHSU, he met his wife of 61 years, Maggie McGuire.
Richard became a Nephrologist and co-founded Northwest Renal Clinic at Good Samaritan Hospital. In 1964 he and Charlie Willock co-invented the Drake-Willock Dialysis machine and treated the first home dialysis patient in 1965. From 1967-1975, Drake-Willock became the principal dialysis delivery system used in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. The machine was used in many hospitals, out patient centers and homes around the world.
In addition to working as president of Drake-Willock until selling the company in 1978, Richard continued his medical practice. He was one of the founders of the National Kidney Foundation of Oregon and worked as chairman of the board for over 20 years. He has received numerous awards for his achievements, including Outstanding Trustee from the National Kidney Foundation, Outstanding Volunteer from the National Kidney Foundation, Outstanding Alumni at Beaverton High School, an Aesculapius award for outstanding scientific exhibit from the Oregon Medical association (for the dialysis machine in 1967) and the Charles Preuss distinguished Alumnus award from OHSU. Richard also received an award for an interactive program he developed for children to learn about kidney disease and transplants. He worked on advisory boards for several companies. He served in the Army as an MD from 1968-1969.
Even though Richard was so accomplished professionally, personally he always remained down to earth and he was known for his great sense of humor. After retiring, he enjoyed reading, relaxing at the family vacation home on Mount Hood and traveling with his family. He also became the proud owner of his first dog, Gordy, followed by his second dog, Ted. He is survived by his wife Maggie, his adult children: Kim (Lorenzo), Karen and John (Kelly) and his granddaughters: Sarah (Henrik), Julia, Emily and Audrey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations sent to the Good Sam Foundation at PO Box 4484, Portland, OR 97208. A celebration of life is planned for Richard at the Multnomah Athletic Club January 12, 2019 from 1:00-4:00.
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