E. Allan Dake, 75, cast off the mooring lines and sailed beyond the horizon early on June 21, 2022. The son of G. E. "Ned" Dake and Patricia Walker Dake, he was born on May 20, 1947. He lived in Muskegon, Texas, and Parkersburg, W. Virginia before moving to the Lake Michigan shoreline in 1960. He graduated from Whitehall High School in 1965, Muskegon Community College in 1967, and Eastern Michigan University with a BS in Education in 1969. He married the love of his life, Anne Morton Dake on June 21, 1969, and they lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan for 30 years. He was a middle school teacher and then the Computer and Technology Coordinator for the Willow Run Public Schools, Ypsilanti, MI. Upon retirement the Dakes came home to live on the south shore of White Lake.

Allan will be best remembered for his willingness to help others with projects, fixing things, or solving problems. His workshop was legendary as was his ability to make things work. He was loved and admired by so many because of his friendly personality, sense of humor, kindness, and generosity.

His favorite activities included being on the water, sailing and racing his Laser, cruising in the 24" Lyman powerboat, the "Anne-tique", and in winter sailing on the ice in his iceboat. Allan was the Commodore of White Lake Yacht Club in 1989. Other favorites were riding his motorcycle with friends, and flying. He earned his private pilot license, instrument and instructors ratings, taught flying in Ann Arbor, and had just returned to flying before he became ill.

In 2009, a 12-year passion for the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry began. He was the Museum Director and instrumental in developing the museum into the fascinating place it is today.

Allan was a current member of the White Lake Yacht Club, White Lake Golf Club, Arts Council of White Lake, Muskegon Museum of Art, Lakeshore Museum Center-Muskegon Heritage Museum, the West Michigan Ice Yacht Club, West Michigan Flying Club, past member of the Ann Arbor Flyers, and several education organizations.

Left behind on the dock and wishing him Godspeed are his wife of 53 years, Anne; a special family of friends; brother, Steven B. (Kimberley) Dake; nephew, Christopher Dake; a number of cousins; and his wonderful team of caregivers.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Thursday, July 7, 2022, anytime between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM at Lundquist's Barn, 5807 Lamos Road, Whitehall.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Muskegon Heritage Museum Fund at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, 425 West Western Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49440.

Abraham Lincoln said, "In the end it is not the years in your life, but the life in your years!" Allan lived life to the fullest, loved sharing his many talents, and enjoyed it all.  We mourn his passing, yet rejoice in a life well lived. Bon Voyage, Sailor!

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com