I want to share my thoughts about my experience with Drew when I knew him as a teen and young man. Regrettably Drew and I had lost touch over the years. But I have the best memories and appreciation for him during those years that we maintained a strong association. I’d like to share some thoughts and memories.

I first met Drew at 16 when he and his family moved into the Georgetown ward (church congregation.) Drew was called to be a young men’s youth leader shortly there after. One of the best memories with Drew in this role was a summer scouting high adventure trip to the Colorado Rockies to go white water rafting and mountaineering. I think that was our first bonding experience. Drew and I discovered a mutual love for hiking and mountaineering. Following that experience I enjoyed countless nights hanging with him and his young family while I went through high school and prepared to serve an lds church mission. His home had an open door policy…always a warm and welcoming place for myself, my family, and other youth to just go, hang out, laugh, and eat good food. I have to say Drew and Janna are some of the most generous people I’ve ever known.

Drew was all about helping us young men have a good time but also taught, by example, good principles: most notably to me how to be confident, courageous, and honorable men with goal, strong work ethic, a mind to serve others. Drew was always fun to be around with his upbeat attitude, quick wit, and knack for story telling. I remember so many times cracking up hearing his jokes and experiences.

Drew was always there to listen and help me in any way he could. He sold me my first car for $800 …a beautiful red 1987 Toyota Celica …AND helped me learn to drive stick with it. Drew and Janna also continued be excellent friends after Drew took a job in Seattle for work. They helped me prepare for my mission, contributed to its costs, and wrote letters of encouragement to me while there. They continued to be excellent friends to me as I went through college and invited me to come and visit as often as I could.

For me personally Drew had a way of inspiring my own self confidence and self esteem, as well as giving honest feedback of things I needed to hear. Drew was the type who never seemed to struggle. I know he did struggle but he never showed it. It truly breaks my heart to hear of his tragic passing. I will always be eternally grateful for his love, mentoring, and friendship and all he did to help me in my life. 

Drew was the best boss ever! Truly the brightest light to have walk into the room every morning. I knew from the day of my interview that this was the man I wanted to help conquer the world. I miss his wit, humor, and ability to tell me the size of a piece of material more and more with every day that passes. Boss, if you can see the mess on my desk right now... You never should have left me with all this paperwork!!

I'll add some pictures he kept saved on his work computer. Theriault family, I hope you know how completely he loved you all! ♥