A precious gift given by God, Callan Richard Drake was born on Thursday, June 29, 2017 and was called home to God on Thursday, November 2, 2017. He was 4 months and 4 days old.
A time of gathering will be held on Monday, November 6, from 4-7 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake, MN. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Tuesday, November 7 at 2:30 pm, with an additional time of gathering from 1:30-2:15 pm, both at St. Michael’s Catholic Church 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. Deacon Dick Roy and Pastor Michael Golay will lead the service. Callan’s pallbearers will be his uncles, Keith Drake and Levi Schneider. He will be laid to rest at Credit River Cemetery, Prior Lake, MN.
Over the past years, Kyle and Ali have been busy raising twins, Joslynn and Jace and younger son, Micah, when they found themselves excited about the joys of another baby to be born mid-summer. On February 9, they received the unexpected news that their unborn sweet little baby had a heart defect call Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). The Drake family’s journey began. Kyle and Ali remained strong and felt comfort in knowing God has a plan for their little blessing, while Joslynn, Jace and Micah grew super excited about the arrival of their new brother or sister.
After months of anticipating their new baby, Kyle and Ali welcomed a son on June 29, at 9:55 am. He was 7lbs and 11oz. They named him Callan Richard Drake. His name, Callan, was chosen because it means strong in battle, and Kyle and Ali knew he’d have a fight ahead of him. His middle name, Richard, was Callan’s great grandfather’s name.
Callan was a precious gift from God. He had big beautiful brown eyes and incredibly long eye lashes. Callan had light brown hair with an adorable mohawk of curls at the top. Everyone in the CVCC (Cardio Vascular Care Center) unit was in love with him and quickly had a special connection with him. Nurses would stop by just to fuss over him.
The joys of a new son, lasted only a few seconds, before Callan was whisked away and the trials and tribulations began. At three days old, he endured open heart surgery, the first of many surgeries. But through it all, Callan amazed everyone with his bravery and strength. He overcame countless obstacles week after week. On July 2, Callan was introduced to his older siblings for the first time. They fought with each other about who was going to sing him Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star first!
Even thou Callan was an extremely sick little boy, he often greeted you with his giant smile and strong spirit. On those tough days, Callan’s pouty lower lip would make an appearance. He also had very expressive little eye brows. He kept a close eye on the doctors and nurses, who joked about him giving them the “stink-eye”. Callan enjoyed sucking on his hands, reading books, listening to mommy sing, and watching his balloons above his bed. In more recent weeks, Callan too enjoyed his red (therapy) chair, allowing him to sit up and look around.
Callan was truly a special gift from God. Even thou his presence here on earth was only 126 days, Callan still touched so many lives. He was deeply loved unconditionally by family, friends and hospital staff. But on the evening of November 2, 2017, Callan passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving parents. He fought hard, but God had other plans for him. Kyle and Ali take comfort in knowing that even though they only had a short time with Callan on earth, they will all be together for eternity in Heaven.
Forever missed, Callan will always remain in the hearts of those who loved him the most, parents, Kyle and Ali; siblings, Joslynn and Jace (twins) and Micah; grandparents, Paul and Pauline Drake, Jeff and Alissa Schneider; great-grandparents, Monica Roe, Keiran “OB” (Diane) O’Brien, Ronald and Jo Ann Schneider; loving aunts, uncles, cousins and devoted friends.
Callan was greeted in heaven by his great-grandparents, Tom and Phyllis Drake, Richard Roe and Helen O’Brien and by his great-aunt, Amy O’Brien.
