Peter N. Drakos

MISSOULA ~ On February 9, 2025, Peter Drakos, 47, of Missoula, Montana passed away after a long battle with Spinocerebellar Ataxia. Peter was born in Missoula Montana on May 10, 1977, to Jim and Teresa Drakos of Butte and Miles City, Montana.

Peter spent his childhood fishing with his cousin, dad, and grandfather. He roamed El-Mar Estates by bike with his buddies, explored Kelly Island, and built forts and dirt bike tracks across the neighborhood.

Peter attended Hellgate Elementary, where he started an Environmental Club. In high school (Big Sky 1991-1995), Peter started snowboarding, kayaking, and rock climbing. After a concert with his cousin, he discovered his life-long love of the Grateful Dead. Peter eventually saved enough money for his dream car – a VW Van. Peter graduated from Hellgate High School in 1996, after almost dropping out, thanks to help from his mom, teachers, and school administrators.

Peter attended Montana State University, later transferring to Portland State University, where he graduated with a degree in Geography and Geographic Information Systems. Peter migrated to Seattle in the early 2000’s and worked as a cook while pursuing a master’s degree in urban planning at the University of Washington. After graduation, Peter worked as an Environmental Planner with the King County Department of Transportation, and later for the Federal and Seattle’s DOT.

In the summer of 2010, Peter and his former spouse, Sarah Etingen-Ayers, welcomed twin boys, Niko and Milo. They became the center of Peter’s world. One 18-month period when Peter was laid off, a difficult time in many ways, became an opportunity for him to be primary caregiver for his boys, a rich and beautiful time. He loved cuddling with them after their naps, traipsing around the garden with them, and teaching them about wildlife, life, and the outdoors.

As Peter’s Ataxia became more advanced, he retired from the City of Seattle on disability and he and his family moved back to Missoula. Back in Missoula, Peter dove into community work. He became a board member for Summit Independent Living Center, served on his neighborhood association, the citizen’s advisory board for Missoula’s DOT, and was part of the University of Montana’s MonTech advisory committee.

Peter was a staunch advocate for people with disabilities. He lobbied local politicians, lodged complaints with the Department of Transportation for handicap access to new infrastructure projects, and regularly called, emailed, and sometimes participated in sit-ins targeting Montana’s Congressional delegation.

Even as his Ataxia progressed, and he was reliant on a walker, and later a wheelchair, he figured out how to stay active. He spent time riding his recumbent bike, and with disabled friends and adaptive sports and recreation groups he would camp, raft, play ice hockey, and paraglide. He biked the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier many summers.

When living alone, he relied on a number of dedicated and talented caregivers, many of whom have become family to the Drakos’. His team over the years included a number of queer and trans folks, a couple of whom had difficult relationships with their families. Peter became second, accepting family for some, and a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.

Peter’s home was a gathering place for many, everyone was welcome, and all accepted as they were. He loved having meals with his friends, talking about politics, and hanging out listening to music. Peter would instigate trips to see bands, including a trip to Bozeman to see Goose – where fellow concert goers and the band were so inspired by Peter’s troop of able-bodied and disabled friends partying in the balcony that the band sent up signed posters for everyone.

Peter’s family wishes to deeply thank all the people that helped care for Peter. Thank you to Dr. Susan Perlman, for her unparalleled expertise and her availability to Peter and his family. Thank you to Dr. Lee, Nancy McCourt, and the staff at Western Montana Clinic. Thank you to Peter’s union, the Professional and Technical Employees Local 17, for fighting for members’ access to long term disability and long term care.

The family are immensely grateful to Peter’s close friends and caregivers – Sherene, Billy, and Nickolai. And to Beehive Homes of Missoula for providing Peter a safe home, loving daily care, and allowing him to live out the remainder of his days with them.

Peter is preceded in death by his mother and father, his grandparents, and several Aunts and Uncles. He is survived by his boys, Niko and Milo; his Aunt Kathy (Al); his sister, Jamie (Glenn), and nephew Daniel (Connie); his half-sister Tamara (Ian), niece Elizabeth and nephews Michael and Elijah; and a plethora of Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends.

We will cherish your warm, accepting, loving, and generous spirit, Peter. We will take inspiration from your endless adventures and ability to find joy in the face of hardship. May your soul find peace and your legacy of kindness and generosity endure.

His memorial service will be held this Saturday, 3/22/25, from 2-5p at the University of Montana UC Ballroom.