Mathew “Matt” Charles Drake

Wendy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Certainly sounds like a great guy who will be missed for sure. I hope your memories will comfort you. Hard to do, I know.

Wendy, I have such wonderful memories of working with Matt. If you remember, we shared a shift on Energy? Matt always had time to listen to me and encourage me to keep going even when "the business" brought me down. Both of you were so good to me and I am so sad to learn of Matt's passing. Please know that even in the short time that I had the pleasure of working with him he made a lasting impression as the wonderful person he was. My heart is so very sad to learn of his passing and I wish you and the family peace in this time of grief.

By far the funniest and most sarcastic guy in Communications. Always great humour in the worst of circumstances in this world of Policing. Rest easy and keep God laughing. He needs someone like you to remind him of the laughter here. May God Bless your soul and your families during this difficult time.

Wendy: What a wonderful tribute from friends and family, for such a gentle giant. I remember Matt's unbelievable energy and his loving kindness to everyone he met up with. From very early days , we all knew that Matt belonged with us in radio (CJBK) and I was proud to "share the stage" with him at many of our events. He was totally in his comfort zone. Being with public and sharing in a good laugh was terrific medicine. He had that ability to sense your mood instantly and respond appropriately. I'm proud to have been a tiny part of his life. Garry Parsons

Ann, Wendy, Carolyn, Kelly...I find myself still in disbelief over the news of Matt's passing. I am so sorry for your loss and can only hope that your broken hearts will be helped by the outpouring of love being shared with you. I too am sending love to all of you at this time. I wish I could be there in person but thank you for the livestream. I will join from home in Nova Scotia. Know that you are thought of often and that Matt is remembered by many with great respect and love.

It is very sad to hear of Matt’s passing. Matt always seemed to know the correct mix of compassion, humour and sarcasm while he dispatched us through our shifts. Checking on and hearing Radio Drake always made things seem a little better. He served this community well.

My heart broke in two when I heard of Matt's passing. He always knew how to make us smile in the radio room; full of jokes and stories always told with the best theatrics and voices. He was always there to help, support and guide me when needed. Although my time working with him was short, he was always sure to say hi (and usually chat, asking about family or dogs) in the halls at LPS. His love for Wendy and his dogs was well known. You are and will be missed Matt. Thinking of his family, work and home, and sending hugs.

So sorry to hear about the loss of Matt...I remember him as a kind gentle man with a great sense of humour who loved his wife very much. I am sorry we lost touch over the past 30 years but remember the fun times we had together. I am a grandmother now with a 21 year old grandson and 12 year old grandson in Nova Scotia. David is doing well. I think of you often and hope you are doing well Wendy. Linda Goddard.

Dear Wendy and associated family and friends. My sincerest condolences for the loss of a wonderful, big-hearted man. We’ll never forget the peace of mind you and Matt brought to Chris and I when you adopted Atlantis. His love and care for his animals was inspirational to me. I am certain that he is in peace with his beloved Iceman. Gus

Our condolences to you Wendy and your family and Matt's coworkers. It was very sad to hear this Matt will be missed. It's hard to understand why people are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing you were a special part of such a well-lived life. Lori & Peter

Hello Wendy- I am so sorry to hear of this sad news. My condolences to you and your family. You and Matt will always hold a special place in my heart for adopting Atlantis. Please know you are in my thoughts. Chris McKee

The. Drabick family hopes the drakesthebest. We will see you on Monday"

Wendy and Family - To say we are so sorry to hear about Matt is a major understatement. With his wonderful personality, calming voice and larger than life personality, he truly made the world a better place. And best of all, he was so modest about it! He and Mike played football together at Saunders, and Matt always told the greatest stories about their antics. There was nothing more reassuring than hearing Matt’s voice over the radio. He was a special man and left too soon. Please know we’re thinking of you all. Love Mike & Jane

Wendy and family: I was deeply sadden today to hear of the loss of my friend Matt, or 'Radio Drake' as he answered the phone a thousand times I called him over the years during my career with the LPS. He was truly a professional dispatcher/call taker, who not only cared for the officers he sent to calls, but those who required our assistance. Matt and his fellow colleagues in Communications were our 'guardians' and 'protective angels' who attempted to keep us safe from harms way. I will forever remember Matt as happy, talkative, dedicated, friendly and cordial, never upset or angry, and walking down the halls of 601 dragging his litre bottle of Coke. Rest in peace my Brother, until we meet again.

Sincere condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Matt. He was such a special person, I felt uplifted and happy with every interaction I had with him over the years in our work family. I met him in 1998 when I started and would run into him in the hallway or at events and he always brightened my day. After speaking with him I would be left with a smile on my face and laughter in my heart which is something so very valuable where we work. Thank you Matt for all that you did for so many over the years, you will be greatly misssed, may you rest in peace.

Wendy and family of Matt, I was saddened to hear of his passing. His kindness and magical voice calmed me many times during my dispatch years. I will miss him also. He was a true gentleman.

Dear Wendy and Family, I was very sad to hear of the passing of Matt. He was one of my bright lights at the LPS over the years. Often, he was leaving our headquarter's building from his night shift as I was coming in for day shift. He would always open the door for me and greet me with a happy Good Morning (almost singing). It was a great way to start the day and I will really miss him. May your happy memories help to outweigh any sadness. My sincere condolences to you. Joan Atchison

Wendy and family, my sincerest condolences on your recent loss of Matt. During his 31 years at LPS I was fortunate enough to have many conversations with Matt, most times ending in a chuckle or belly laugh. His demeanor and calm voice was always reassuring to those working during a crazy situation with information overload. ""Occasionally"", Matt would throw in a little humor with his dispatches which always proved interesting to say the least. Matt always could get the dance floor moving when he was the DJ for our Christmas parties, and always gave in for ""one more song"" at the end of the night. RIP ""Radio Drake""

My condolences to the family of Matt on your loss. Matt's calm, friendly voice will be missed for all of us who have had the pleasure of working with him.

Wendy and family, I’m very sorry to hear about your loss and have been keeping you all in my thoughts. My husband and I were lucky to run into Matt on the Saturday before he passed (we shared the same happy place in Windsor). I was able to get not one but two bear hugs from Matt that day. And I can tell you that now means so much to me. I greatly enjoyed working with Matt, his sense of humour, his love of music, his knowledge and experience of the job was immeasurable. Matt and I were big fans of night shift and worked many a nights together. I would always crank my favourite night shift song when it came on the radio- Night Moves by Bob Seger. Matt and I would quietly sing along and hope the radio comms or phone ringing wouldn’t interrupt our few minutes of joy. Matt was truly one of the best at his job and I’m forever grateful to have worked with him. My deepest condolences, Jen Podonis