Tribute

Richard Lake was born and raised in the south of England in a small town called Taunton. Because he grew up in England during the war, he learned to "live without," a trait which remained with him always. He was content with very little. In 1957 he met his bride, Peggy, who was from British Guyana and studying nursing in Taunton on scholarship. They married in 1958 and had three children: Sarah, Jeremy (deceased 1988) and Jonathan. The family emigrated to New York, USA, in 1963 and settled in Cambria Heights, Glen Cove, and much later, Manhasset. Richard was a quiet, unassuming man. He spent his career as a blood bank administrator. Part of his legacy was pushing back against policy and advocating for blood donations to be tested during the AIDS epidemic. He was an honorable man. He loved history and the study of religions and was most animated when speaking about either subject. Being an intellectual, his faith led him to the Unitarian church where he was an active member for most of his life. He was a voracious reader and was most content reading a book. He and Peggy retired to Palm Beach Florida and he was very happy there. He made his own marmalade from the orange trees in the yard and was well-liked by friends and family for his humility and genuineness, as well as his tremendous, full, lengthy laugh. He truly enjoyed his grandchildren and allowed them to play beauty parlor with his full head of hair. He was best known for his devotion to his wife. His life's purpose can best be summed up by his favorite author in the Bible, Micah. "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Friends & Family

Peggy Lake, Jonathan Lake