Peter J Dragan

Born on June 29, 1916 in Fernie, British Columbia, he was the son of the late Andrew and Eva Dragan.

In 1923, his family moved to Albion. He graduated from Albion High School in 1933 at the age of 16. Unable to find work near Albion during the Great Depression, he went to Detroit. In January 1935, he landed a job with Ford Motor Company. Although Ford promoted him to straw boss, he was illegally fired on May 27, 1937 for alleged union activities. He then returned to Albion, where he lived and pursued his passion for farming right up to his death. He married the late Kathryn Ludington on April 8, 1943. Their 60-year marriage ended with her death on November 26, 2003.

Having belonged to the Elks Club for over 72 years, he was the longest standing member of Albion Lodge #1006. Besides his intense interest in farming, he enjoyed reading, keeping up with current events and socializing with friends. He was an optimist with a great sense of humor and an innovative thinker who was always up for new adventures. He often said that he was the luckiest person in the world because he had so many friends and supporters.

He is survived by his daughter Diana Kay Reed of Mount Dora, FL and his son Joseph P. Dragan in Holyoke, MA, by his niece Mary Ann Neely, a great niece and a great-great nephew of Austin, TX, by his dear friend Marjorie Steffen of Kendall, NY, by his devoted employees Steven Swiercznski, Daniel Wright, Carolyn Starkweather, Todd Swiercznski, Gary Vanderlaan, Gerald Marshal, and John Nichols, all of the Albion area, and by his beloved dog Dusty.

He is predeceased by five brothers--John, Michael, Nickolas, Joseph and Steven, by his nephew Steven, and by his special caregiver, Patty Stahl.

Services will be held at the Merrill-Grinnell Funeral Home, 12 Ingersoll St., Albion, NY. Relatives and friends may call on Saturday, August 11, 2012 from 6 - 8 pm and on Sunday, August 12, 2012 from 3 - 4 pm. A funeral service and celebration of his life will be held on Sunday August 12 at 4 pm., immediately following the calling hour. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Elks Club of Albion, Lodge #1006, 428 West State St., Albion NY 14411.