Chris Drake was one of those blokes who seemed to be on top of everything. He was a likable, upbeat and seemingly happy sort of guy. He was one of those quirky characters that stood out in a crowd and would always be at the centre of all the action. As well as being a nice bloke, he could really ride, winning a class at the Ravenswood Nats a few years ago when he came over with Rob Happer, Malcolm Hill and some other South Island Kiwis. He visited us many times after that, always racing one of Edgar Phipps bikes and usually winning. His last visit was to the Crawford River Classic a few years ago where he had a great time and was once again the life of the party..
Whatever was eating away at Chris enough for him to take his own life was very well hidden.....no one had even the slightest inkling that he was that low. That's what makes it so tragic and so bloody sad.
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