Keith Drake

A gentle, kind, unassuming and modest man, Keith Drake was the fifth generation to head the well-known family firm of corn millers and agricultural merchants in Honley, near Huddersfield.

Founded by his great great grandfather early 1823 as Samuel Drake and Son Ltd, it was a local landmark, with the corn mill and imposing grocery and general stores situated in Westgate in the centre of the village and the company’s agricultural merchant premises which are still located on the site of the original water mill, the oldest mill in Honley.

The grocery was eventually sold and the company changed its name to Keith Drake Ltd.

Keith was educated at the Leys School, Cambridge, and after completing his education, he went to work in the family firm, learning all aspects of the business. His father, Arthur Drake, also died young and in his mid-20s Keith was suddenly thrust into taking charge of the business – not without some trepidation.

However, in his usual calm, unassuming manner, and with the help of his wife, Susan, he rose to the challenge and with a dedicated staff managed to lead the company through a particularly difficult trading period.

They retainedthe company’s independence when many other firms were either going under or being swallowed up by the giants of the industry.

Keith built on the company’s strengths of quality products and dedicated personal service, expanding the core base of farmer customers spread over a wide area of Yorkshire, making personal visits to obtain orders and cement personal relationships with customers who were always very cost conscious, often eccentric and not always the easiest to deal with.

Keith married his childhood sweetheart, Susan Jagger in 1965 and they had two children, Peter, who died aged 21, and Lisa. He is survived by his wife, daughter Lisa, son-in-law Michael, his two grandchildren, Molly and Louie and his sister, Susan.