Bennett (Ben) Richard Drake, 69 of Temecula, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, November 7, 2018. Ben was born in Riverside, CA on July 8 1949 to Richard and Martha (Hamner) Drake. At his request, there will be a memorial service and celebration of life at South Coast Winery on Thursday, November 15th from 11-2pm.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sharon (Clark) Drake and his children Katie (Drake) and JD Harkey, Chase Drake, Kourtney Drake, Kara (Drake) and MacLain Atkinson. Ben’s grandchildren
Ethan, Hudson, and Drake Harkey (children of Katie and JD) and Macallan and Merrick Atkinson (children of Kara and MacLain), were the love of his life. He is also survived by his sister Susan (Drake) Goldstein and brother Samuel Drake.


Ben was a graduate of Fresno State University Class of ‘73 where he was a member of AGR fraternity. He was also a member of Class XII of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. Ben was a fifth generation farmer in Riverside County and a resident of Temecula since 1973.

Ben founded Drake Enterprises, Inc., a farm management company 40 years ago. They manage 750 acres of avocados and 450 acres of winegrapes in the Temecula Valley.

Ben’s accomplishments in his business career:

President of the Rancho California Water District Board of Directors.

Past Chairman of California Association of Winegrape Growers
Past President of Riverside County Farm Bureau
President of Temecula Valley Winegrape Growers Association
Member of the Temecula/Murrieta group
UCR Chancellors Agricultural Advisory Council Member
Board Member California Sustainable Winegrape Alliance
Member Agricultural Leadership Association
Past President Upper Santa Margarita Irrigated Lands Group
Past USDA Hass Avocado Board Vice President
California Association of Winegrape Growers Leader of the Year 2013
Boy Scouts Distinguished Citizen of the Year 2014
Riverside County 4H All Star
Robert M. Howie Award for Outstanding Service to Riverside Agriculture 2010
California State Board of Food and Agriculture
Ben was also the key grower in Temecula Valley battling Pierce’s Disease and water issues.

Ben was an avid fisherman. He took advantage of every opportunity to fly fish, anytime and anywhere. With his love of fishing he enjoyed international fishing trips to Christmas Island, Cuba and Chile. He also looked forward to his annual hunting trips to Howard, South Dakota and the Tejon Ranch.

In lieu of flowers it is Ben’s wish that donations be made to the California Association of Winegrape Grower’s Foundation. They will be setting up a scholarship in his name.

Contributions can be made to:
CAWG Foundation
1121 L Street, Ste 304
Sacramento, CA 95814

Please indicate that the contribution is for the Ben Drake Scholarship Fund.