Frank Drake, the honourary chairman of our Haystack Reunion Committee, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2002, six months short of his 90th birthday. To those of us from Haystack, Frank was a very special person, and his passing is the end of an era. He firmly resisted the resettlement program, calling it the `shiftin racket' and decided in 1957, when all other families had left the community, that he would hang on there by himself. That he did until November, 1969, when he had his house towed across the bay to Arnold's Cove. For the last four of these years, Frank was the only person living year-round on Long Island. Although he officially moved from Haystack, he still spent most of the year back there, fishing for another twenty years. For the past ten years or so, Frank was unable to return to Haystack very often, but his heart was still there.

His funeral service, well attended, was held Wednesday afternoon, March 20 at St. Michael's Church in Arnold's Cove. The next day his body was taken to his beloved Haystack for interment. About 35 of Frank's relatives and friends attended the cemetery service, conducted by Rev. William Strong. Weather conditions were ideal for this time of year....very light wind and sunshine for most of the day. You may view pictures of this special occasion here.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to his nieces Alva and Jean and their families. We will miss him dearly. He will be remembered as a kind, decent, and humble man, but for us he will especially always be an icon of Haystack.

--Clayton Halfyard