Drake Richard Hideo Morinaka

Music was Drake's lifelong passion. At age seven, he joined the All-American Boys Chorus, performing internationally, including tours to Asia and Canada. A graduate of St. Francis High School in La Cañada, he was active in theater and chorus and earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Evergreen BSA Troop 361 in San Gabriel, California.

Drake graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. A talented tenor, he sang with the LMU Consort Singers, with whom he experienced one of his most cherished memories—performing at the Vatican. He continued singing after college with the Donald Brinegar Singers and other choral ensembles. His passion for music extended to attending concerts and traveling to Belgium for the Tomorrowland music festival.

Drake had an extraordinary gift for friendship. His warmth, kindness, and genuine love for others made him unforgettable. As his best friend shared, "People like Drake don't come along every day." He made friends wherever he went and embraced life to the fullest, never allowing cancer to keep him from living and enjoying the moments that mattered most.

Drake was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Victoria Iwata and Hideo and Masako Morinaka. He is survived by his parents, Glen and Elizabeth Morinaka; sister, Laura Morinaka Santo; brother-in-law, Brian Santo; niece and nephew, Natalie and Tyler Santo; and many loving family and friends.

Drake will forever be remembered for his beautiful voice, generous heart, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him.

His song will live on in our hearts forever.

A Viewing will be held at Rose Hills Memorial Park - Visitation Center, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601, US, on October 29, 2026, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

A Farewell Service will be held at Rose Hills Memorial Park - SkyRose Chapel, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601, US, on November 7, 2026 at 5:30pm.