LAKE, Harry

LAKE, Harry G.

Harry G. Lake passed away peacefully in Dayton, Ohio, where he resided the last 66 years. He was fortunate to have been able to reside in the familiar surroundings of his home, able to enjoy the company of family and friends until his 100-year body surrendered to father time on January 5th, 2021.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, September 24, 1920, to Greek parents, George and Stella Apostolakos, he spent his childhood and young adult life with his four sisters Margaret, Anne, Nora and Eleni as well as countless aunts, uncles, cousins and relatives. It was during his formative years in Newark that he developed a love for reading and learning while sharpening his proficiencies in the sciences, mathematics, languages, arts, reading and debate. What also became apparent in his young adulthood was his astute perceptive ability to recognize opportunities and challenges as they presented themselves while relishing the chance to react by solving a problem or seizing the opportunity – unique abilities that would become one of his legacies.

Harry graduated from Newark College of Engineering with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was listed in "Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities" – 1943 Edition. He also attended Yale and University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. Harry proudly served his country in WWII and the Korean war, reaching the rank of Captain in the U.S. Air Force.

From 1946-1956 Harry was employed by General Electric Company assigned to design, research and marketing and from 1956-1958 he was employed by Mycalex Corp. of America engaged in industrial and government marketing. By 1958, his education, service and employment had finally equipped him with the skills and contacts to pursue his entrepreneurial goals. In 1958 he founded the Harry G. Lake Company specializing in marketing and sales engineering which grew and flourished until his retirement.

Harry seized the opportunity to lead, especially when he saw the opportunity to enrich or enhance any purpose or organization for which he had strong convictions – not the least of which was his lifelong love of and pride in his Greek heritage. He was a member of the Supreme Board of Trustees – Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Progressive Association) where he proudly served as Vice Chairman (1973-1976 and 1981-1985) and was a member of AHEPA's National Board of Directors (1986, 1988-1994 and 1999-2002) and Finance Committee (1993-1997, 1998-2006). As District 11 Governor from 1979-1980 he dedicated a bust of Hippocrates to the Wright State University Medical School.

Harry was also a strong proponent of education and sought to assist those in need when possible. He was the Founder of the AHEPA Buckeye Scholarship Foundation (a model subsequently used throughout North America) and served as its Chairman and a member of its Board of Trustees from 1960-1988. Since its founding, this chapter has awarded 40 scholarships per year of over $1,000 - totaling over $1,500,000 to 2,500+ individuals. The Trustees elected him Chairman Emeritus and honored him for his many years of service with a scholarship awarded in his name. Since 2002 the Harry G. Lake Excellence Award has been given to the highest ranking high school student. He was also National Chairman of AHEPA Educational Foundation, a 501(c)3 corporation from 1977-1980. Finally, Harry received the "AHEPA Lifetime Achievement Award" – in 2011 at AHEPA's sold out National Convention.

Harry was always committed to and took great pride in his vocation - reflected in his membership: The Society of Aerospace Materials and Process Engineers where he served as National Chairman in 1970 and the Engineers Club of Dayton and was a member of the Barn Gang founded by Charles Kettering and Edward Deeds. He also felt a strong loyalty to duty to community service where he was acknowledged by receiving City Beautiful Award – 1975 for "Demonstration of Civic Pride and Beautification of Dayton …" and for his efforts with the City of Dayton – Operations Improvement Task Force in 1994.

Harry had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and constantly tried to stay abreast on current events around the world. He also stayed in touch with his remaining family and friends, via constant reading, his computer and ever-present iPad. Many of us will miss his almost daily emails regarding everything from editorials and jokes to facts discovered and shared about everything from the arts (Impressionism painting and big band orchestras), science (Leonardo DaVinci and many others), politics, business (he was a disciple of Benjamin Graham and an astute investor), health, history, presidents (especially some of his favorites, Thomas Jefferson, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman) and his beloved Greece. He knowledgably engaged in discussions about almost any subject - and those who participated would need to be equally prepared, as he was always well read, articulate and a tenacious debater.

Harry was a proud member of "The Greatest Generation" as well as both his Greek and American Heritage.

Harry cherished his wife Joni and their loving relationship with Maltises, Suzy and Mitzi, which brought them both many years of laughter, joy, and deeper relationships with his family. We will all miss the presence of that handsome, highly educated, stylish dresser with his ever present charming and engaging personality.

The Lake family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to those who supported and cared for Harry throughout the years including home caregivers (Becky Ingels, Vicki Terry, Cindy Terry and Laquita Strode), doctors and medical professionals (especially John Urse, the staffs at Miami Valley, Grandview and Kettering Hospitals and their ICU units). Lastly, we wish to express special acknowledgement and thanks to Harry and Joni's closest friends and dear neighbors Bob and Lil Johnson, Barbara and Maggie Mae McGowan Grey and Ricky Collier - all of whom, for so many years, remained in contact, supported and personally celebrated with Harry and Joni - whatever the need or occasion. They are the most loyal and committed friends anyone could ask for.

Harry is survived by: his wife Joni; sisters Helen Anton and her husband Fani of Dayton; Nora Lekas of Coral Springs, Florida; sons George Lake and Greg Lake both of The Woodlands, Texas; grandchildren Christopher Lake (San Francisco) and Juliayn Lake (Berlin, Germany, and Lesvos, Greece); nieces

Diane Briggs and husband Bob, Ruth Ann Zavakos and husband Jimmy, Debbie Urse and husband John (all of Dayton, Ohio); Anita Lekas (New Jersey) and goddaughters Pia

Kanistros (Dayton) and Susan Owen (San Francisco) - not to mention many devoted friends.

Funeral services - which have been entrusted to Marker & Heller Funeral Home - will be held on Monday, January 11th at Dayton's Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church after which his remains will be entombed at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Buckeye Scholarship Foundation, Dayton Chapter and the Dayton

Humane Society.

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