We lost fellow HAMBer Bdrake Today...

Sorry to report that fellow HAMBer Bill Drake (Bdrake) passed away today after a tough summer, fall and winter fighting both lung and brain cancer.

Some of you may have met Bill at the HAMB Meet and Greet at the Hunnert Car Pileup in 2006. It was his first real road trip with his 37 Ford Pickup project and he was so pumped to be there.

He was starting to have a rough time with the lung cancer last summer but was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of taking his truck to the Goodguys show at the Chicago Speedway and then from there to the Goodguys show in Columbus where he won Best Unfinished.

He broke the radiator on the way home and, though he was able to get it repaired, the truck has sat since then while his cancer got more aggressive and moved around his body.

By fall he was unable to participate much and did not make it to the Pileup in '07.

Wednesday he went into the hospital and his systems started to shut down. This afternoon he lost the battle.

For those that knew him, you know that Bill was one of the nicest guys you could meet. He had a lifelong passion for the car hobby and was a regular contributor to the Friday Night Art Show. Bill is leaving behind a wonderful wife and daughter.

Here is a link to his website where you can see some of his work.

http://www.billdrakeart.com/

God Speed Bill.

 

Rest in peace Bill.

 

Very sorry to hear that. Rest in piece Bill.

 

Thats a bummer.. REST IN PEACE

 

Wow, I'm a big fan of Bill's artwork - very talented guy.

Godspeed Bill, rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

 

Res in peace, Bill. Forever cruising

 

Here is some of his work...

 

And some more...

I think the orange Ford was posted during halloween this past year.

 

very sad news! GOD SPEED BILL and BLESSES TO YOUR FAMILY

 

I didn't know he was having health issues! This is not right. He was very helpful to me with info on 35-7 pickups and we shared an appreciation for each other's art.

Too many are leaving us. Bill seemed like a really good guy, this is SAD news.

 

Rip Bill

 

I didn't know him, but his work is fantastic! That salty duece is now a cool background on my comp.

RIP, man.

 

RIP Bill.

 

Very sorry to hear that - Bill was a very talented guy - he will be missed. Condolences to his family.

Steve

 

They say only about 1 in 10 cases of lung cancer affect those who have never smoked. Bill was one of those unlucky non-smokers...

I should have included a pic of HIM.

This is from the Goodguys Indy 2007 show. Click on the pic for a larger version.

 

My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Too many talented people are passing away right now.

 

Rip dam cancer

 

Might just as well add some more...

 

my favorite, rip bill.

 

our families thoughts and prayers goes out to his family.........

 

Rest in peace Bill.

 

Thanks "redlinetoys" for posting his picture and some of his art.

 

Amen

 

So much talent. My condolences to his family and friends. God speed.

Frank

 

Sad to hear. RIP Bill.

 

Jeem, You are more than welcome. Bill was a good friend for over 25 years.

He and I first met in the early 1980's. He had a blue 69 Camaro Convertible with a white top and I had a 67 RS Camaro Convertible with a white top. His was mostly restored and mine had a tunnel ram, etc. Good times.

He and I both married our sweetheart girlfriends from back then (They both had big blond 80's hair!).

I can't believe he is gone...

 

Man, this is sad. I loved his artwork. RIP Bill and condolences to his family. Pat.

 

He made it to the land of no roust and cheap gas. I am
sure hes happy in a good place with alot of straight roads.

 

A very talented man, such a loss.
Rest in peace.
Hemi Deuce.

 

Well Beautiful work it is sad to have a good person go I didn't know him but I will say this Im sure he is in a better place and he probably has all the things he really ever wanted I give him a moment of silence ..................................................... I'm sure he is doing well up there above looking down. I'm enjoying what he left behind (art work) and wishing I knew him, maybe I will do a piece of art work in his Honor and post it I just hope it comes out decent