As our favorite holiday approaches my love I fondly remember our very 1st Independence Day as we just moved in with one another. You took me out of my comfort zone in Summerlin & my entire world shifted to Henderson. We spent the day with the kids. The pool, BBQ on your fire pit made grill & you were so excited for me to see what the neighbors had going on up & down the street. I miss you so much my love & just wanted to come by this memorial page of yours to leave a message that I was missing you as I often do & shout out how much I will ALWAYS LOVE YOU My Sweetheart, My Ryan. My Drake!!!  You had a way with words when you expressed your love for me & I am forever grateful to have been loved by you baby!!! Our first 4th of July 🇺🇸🎆🧨🎇♥️2015

To Ryan's mom, Kamalani, his family and especially Bryson; I am incredibly sorry for your loss.

Ryan and I met in middle school and immediately became friends. We lived in adjacent neighborhoods and if we weren't walking to meet each other, we were probably talking about it on the phone. Even as adults, when we set off in our own directions, we still managed to somehow find each other and reconnect. We always picked up right where we left off, as if nothing had changed.  

One of my favorite things about Ryan was that, no matter what kinds of difficulties that I was dealing with, he could relate. And he usually had a story about it and more often than not, it was hilarious. Ryan was funny. His observations, things that he found odd and unusual were always extremely entertaining. 

I have so many memories of things that Ryan and I did together. We watched the Bills vs Panthers in Charlotte. Afterwards we went to a restaurant where one of the more famous Panthers players just happened to be. I wanted to ask for a picture or autograph but I wasn't sure if it was a good time. Ryan stood up, casually approached the player, told him that I was a big fan and asked for a picture. We both took pictures with him and went on our way. Ryan did that for me.

The last time that I saw Ryan, I went to help him pack up his things and move back to Las Vegas. Ryan ordered food and I tried to give him some money to help pay for it. He declined several times before saying something along the lines of, I'm not taking the money but if you want to give it away, give it to Bryson. So I did. The way that he and Bryson interacted was special. So many nights, Ryan and I would be on the phone and he would ask me to hold. In the background I could hear him talking to Bryson then praying with him and helping him to bed. He told me on so many occasions, I love this little dude, man.

There will never come a time when I don't think of Ryan and all of the memories that we made together.


To have a love & connection some only dream of was our reality.  My Soulmate, my other half, my partner, my lover & my best friend... You were mine & I... yours. You are my person Ryan Patrick Drake. You showed me what it is to be Loved & to be "In Love."  Our ups, always outweighed our downs, yet every down made us stronger. Together we became a power couple. I'm so proud of you my love & everything that you believe in. A foundation built on Trust, Love,, Honesty & Structure. The "Never leave room for doubt" statement we stuck by. You taught me so much about life & people. I'm blessed for the time I had with you. For the love we shared. For being the amazing Dad to our 3  kids defining values & morals.  For the amazing moments in time where we just sat still just talking for hours about anything. You're my confidant & the most passionate person I know with the biggest heart.  I'll always look up to the Heavens above for your guidance knowing our love continues on . I'm so proud to be yours & to call you mine... Today, tomorrow, in this lifetime & the next. I love you MOST my love

Ryan.  There is so much I could say.  I wish for more time with him.   There was so much we hadn't talked about.  No matter where he was in his life I always knew he loved me and would be there for me if I needed him.  His relationship with his "Gram cracker" was so special and I know it was a joy to her.   He will be remembered with love and joy.  

So sorry to hear of your loss. When Ryan was around 8-9, he had a "take a parent to lunch day" at his school and Sharon couldn't make it so he asked me. When kids asked if I was his father he just said, "heck no, this is my lawyer!"  One kid said to him, "boy, I only brought my dad, but Ryan brought his lawyer!" We had a great time that day. My thoughts and prayers and with Ryan and his family.

So many Christmases, Ryan's exuberant energy and pitch-perfect sense of humor are what I think of when I think of my cousin. He was so good at joshing with Grandpa Joe, who'd feign annoyance but who I suspect really enjoyed the attention. 

For some reason, I think of and hear Ryan with a southern drawl. He always took his time with those individual family catch-up conversations over the holidays, and you always felt like he was really listening to what you had to say. He cared and showed in subtle ways -- and he was also always ready with the punch line. A natural born comedian if you ask me. He will be missed by so many. 

I enjoyed listening to Ryan talk to my mother on the phone. He really loved her and they had such a unique bond.  Her last trip was to Vegas to see Ryan. She always had a blast with him. I’m so glad you retuned to our Savior so you can be with Him , free from all sorrow and pain. I love You.                                          Aunt Paula

I’ll never forget Ryan calling me Bobby Pickles or just Pickles whenever he saw me. Or the way he would chuck me into the pool at uncle Steve’s house. Ryan took me to my first NFL and of course it was a Bills game in Buffalo.

One of my favorite memories was several years ago, Ryan had made the trip to Buffalo for a holiday. We were all sitting at grandma and grandpa's dinning room table playing cards, probably Euchre. The laughter and smiles were flowing. It's the way holidays were supposed to be, all the family playing cards and snacking on cheese and crackers. We would have had more snacks, but as Ryan went through the refrigerator all he found was expired condiments which we all thought was hysterical. Then grandpa was siting in his chair commenting on the rest of us exercising or lack there of. Ryan pointed out that grandpa was sitting in his chair. So grandpa sprung out of his chair and ran around the living room doing high knees. I laughed so hard. Ryan always had a way to make me laugh. He was a big bold charismatic personality. He will be deeply missed. 

My favorite memories are of Ryan and my sons, Jason and Andrew, playing on our many acres or swimming or hanging out while their moms hung out. This photo of Ryan, Jason, and Sharon is a classic example. There was always much love and fun.
We will all miss Ryan ....May his family always hold the memories close. Much love, Jenny 

My dear friend Sharon, I am heartbroken for you over the loss of your son. My hope is that you have many happy memories of him, and continue to have a lifelong bond with Bryson. Much love my friend 💙

OBITUARY

Ryan Patrick Drake

October 23, 1980 – April 19, 2020

Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery

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