Robert F. "Dick" Brake

Robert F. “Dick” Brake, 79, died peacefully at home in West Point, Virginia on September 24, 2012. He was born March 23, 1933 in North Carolina, the son of Robert and Ruby Thompson Brake. Dick graduated from Aurelian Springs High School, and served two years in the U.S. Army with a tour of duty in Germany. Upon returning to NC, he graduated from N.C. State University with a degree in Forestry in 1960 and married his high school sweetheart, Louise Butts. Dick was employed by the Chesapeake Corporation of Virginia. He served in various field and management positions over a 35 year career; completing his service as President of Delmarva Properties. After retirement from Chesapeake /Delmarva in 1995, he opened his own Real Estate Consulting Forestry and Environmental firm, Brake and Associates, Inc. Dick began his dedication to public service by joining the West Point Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. He served 25 years; 12 years as president. He was instrumental in getting members of the Rescue Squad to become advanced medically certified, enabling them to better serve medical emergencies in the West Point area. For 20 years Dick was elected to and served on the Town Council of West Point, serving as vice mayor for 2 years. He also served as the county’s Economic Development Consultant. Dick was a charter member (King William County appointee) of the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission and served for almost 30 years. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Riverside Walter Reed Hospital for 22 years and a charter member of the West Point Rotary Club. Dick was an active member of the West Point United Methodist Church where he served on the parsonage committee and as chairman of the Board of Trustees for many years. He was Grand Marshal of West Point’s 2009 Crab Carnival. The King William County Board of Supervisors honored him with a resolution of appreciation upon his retirement for his career long dedication to public service. A celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, September 27th, at West Point United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Melody Tanner and Reverend Marvin Kerby officiating. A burial service will be held 4 p.m., that afternoon at Tabor United Methodist Church, Aurelian Springs, NC. The family will receive friends 2 to 4 p.m. & 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, September 26th at Vincent Funeral Home, 417 11th Street, West Point, VA 23181 and other times at the home. In addition to Louise, his wife of 52 years, Dick is survived by a son, Robert Louis Brake and his wife, Michelle Smith Brake, grandson, Robert Andrew “Drew” of Mocksville, NC; a daughter, Georgia Louise Brake Jaitly and her husband, Dr. Rakesh Jaitly, grandchildren, Krishna Louise and Rama Jaitly of Bethesda, MD. He is also survived by a sister, Maude Evelyn Brake and husband, John Mitchell of Littleton, NC; a brother, Johnny Brake and wife, Margo of Vinton, VA; a sister-in-law, Sarah Ann Butts Sasser and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the West Point United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 610, West Point, VA, 23181 or to the charity of your choice. The family expresses deep appreciation for our devoted family and friends. We also want to express our appreciation to Comfort Keepers, Nurturing Heart, and Morningside Assisted Living, all in Williamsburg, VA.

Robert F. "Dick" Brake

March 23, 1933 - September 24, 2012