Arnold Edward Lloyd Drakes

Arnold Edward Lloyd Drakes was the second born child of Ruby and Irvin St. Clair Drakes. Born July 8, 1947, in St. Michael, Barbados, he was happy, loving and passionate child who always spoke his mind. His elder sister Beryl was his peaceful place, who was always his closest confidant and friend. His younger sister, Monica, was his shadow growing up until young adults, but he didn't mind. There was nothing that he did - wrestling, pitching marbles, playing cricket, electrical wiring, remodeling houses - that his sister could not do with him.
Edward came to the United States in 1967, living in the state Florida. He lived there for a few years until coming to Boston, Massachusetts where he met and fell in love with his wife, Hartley. They married in 1972 and had three beautiful children - Christopher, Wesley and Tonya. Edward worked as an electrical product engineer by profession, but he was a person who was immensely talented with his hands. He would often be seen doing mechanic work, carpentry/house repair, fishing, and his favorite pastime of gardening. He could make and build garden landscapes that would rival layouts in Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
Edward was outgoing and sociable in his younger years. He would often be found at a party in the Boston Caribbean community as he loved to dance. He had dance moves that would make James Brown and Michael Jackson envious! Edward was also a very private person. He did not openly talk about or show his emotions, but he loved deeply and hard. He was always present and provided for his wife, children and grandchildren. One of his greatest loves was his granddaughter Daphne. She allowed him be an open and free-spirit, not bogged down by the pressures and responsibilities of adulthood, but just able to let go and have child-like fun. Building and flying kites and drawing chalk on the easel or in the driveway are some of my favorite memories of the two together.
After their children had grown to adulthood, Edward and Hartley moved to Rhode Island where he spent his final years. After a long battle with illness, at the age of 75 years, Edward was called home on March 15, 2023. He joins his son Wesley who departed in October 2019. He is survived by his wife Hartley, son Christopher, Daughter Tonya, and his grandchildren Jasmine, CJ, Tristan and Daphne, and his sisters Beryl and Monica as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

May he Rest in Love and Peace.