Elliott Ramsey Drake ’40

Scholar, Army officer, writer, director, winner of prestigious awards for pioneering radio and television production — that was our Bud, but he frequently said that he was really born to be a father.

Bud died on Jan. 6, 2002, at a Florida hospital. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Audry, his five children, Ellen, Al, Dave, Jeff, and Peter, and three grandchildren.

He prepared at Pingry, and at Princeton majored in English literature, graduating with departmental honors, and was a member of Triangle Club, Theatre Intime, and Cloister Inn. During WWII, Bud was a decorated 1st lieutenant who was stationed in England.

His early career was with Mutual Broadcasting System in NYC, writing and directing radio dramas, launching such stars as Tony Randall and Eva Marie Saint. During 1951 he wrote mini-dramas for the Kate Smith show for NBC. His breakthrough show was the Sunday Night Monitor, a live news presentation, for which he was given the George Peabody Broadcasting Award.

Along with his 30 years of pioneering work, Bud managed to work in AG, time at golf, tennis, and photography and as Little League manager. To his grieving family, his classmates extend their sympathies.

The Class of 1940