Alpha Romeo

Before I actually met Drew I knew him as sushi guy. I had many conversations with Sarah about this mysterious guy that she would go out with occasionally… but wasn’t dating. Listening to her talk I would always be thinking.. so why aren’t you dating this guy! I finally met Drew in person after my dad’s funeral. He dove right in (literally) and helped take care of everything. He was there not only for my sister but for an entire family that he barely even knew. Seeing Drew for the first time through my sister’s eyes I realized he was the one. The way they looked at each other I recognized that they had something special. I spent a day with Drew and Sarah visiting the Alamo in the hot San Antonio heat. (Not Drew’s idea from what I recall) We were dying of thirst and miserable from miles of walking. (We seemed to have forgotten where we parked) Somehow we ended up taking pictures of our “fake” good time. Drew managed to make that ordinary (or even less that ordinary day) a little more fun just by being there. As I got to know Drew better through conversations with Sarah and following their many adventures online I realized Drew and Sarah had something truly special. I admire Drew’s sense of humor, sense of adventure and belief in following his dreams. You will be missed.

Only Sarah could have come up with something like this! I could not have envisioned a more perfect angel for Andrew. The star idea is so appropriate. We used to gaze at the stars when he was little, making up games. I miss you, son.

Some of my favorite things about Drew were all the little stories of his candid moments of sweetness, tenderness, and hilarity that few got to see. Although I am sad that I did not have the chance to get to know him better. I knew him through the eyes of my best friend and what she saw was the best of him and those are the memories i’ll always have. He changed all our lives for the better and the joy he brought will always be with us. Happy Birthday Drew!

You are missed, but also not forgotten as well! You touched many lives in your short amount of time here. It was an honor to call you a friend and fellow pilot. The day you left this world, was also the day we lost our beloved cat. A very sad day indeed for ME. Watch over us, and keep us safe.

My dear friend, it is hard for me to write what you mean to me for there are no words that can express how important you are to my life. My only regret is that I didn’t get to meet you sooner. When I think of the times we hungout, those were some of the best times of my life. The laughter, the plans we were gonna do together, the long talks. Funny how all our talks always ended up you talking about how much you love Sarah. The love you two shared gave me hope that maybe one day I would be lucky enough to find my other half. I know that now you are Sarah’s guardian angel. Everytime I see a helicoptor flying above, I stop and think of our friendship and our talks. May you rest in peace my dear friend. Happy Birthday.

Drew and i worked together at Bullet Trap. I remember one time when we went out to eat Chinese food buffet with Red the same who posted above me. We walked in confident about shutting this place down because ol’ Red dog could put down some food, i am skinny but no slouch at filling up my hollow leg, but at that time Drew was still pretty new so i didn’t know what to expect. After being seated, we all got up and started at various spots in the line and met back at the table when finished. Red has one plate filled from end to end, 4 inches high. Drew has a plate with a little food here and there in nice little piles. I come back with 2 plates filled to the brim, everything thrown here or there. Drew looks at me, then red and looks at how skinny i am, how much food i brought back and was shocked i could eat it. The next round Drew came back with two plates full just to show me up. I think we all waddled out of there with food babies in our stomachs and i swear some waitress mumbled that they lost money feeding those three guys. The times at work, the times goofing around on lunch break, the times shooting.. I miss them all bro, miss your enthusiasm when you spoke of the things you loved.- Keep the beer cold and the skies clear for me- Alex

Hey bud, it’s been awhile. I miss you man. I wanted to thank you for talking me into coming back to fishing for a living when we were working at the Bullet Trap. It’s been a great decision for me and without your stubborness and persistance on the issue, I would still be stuck there everyday. Life out out on the ocean is great again. Thank you my friend. I miss you man. RED

Hi Drew, its been a while. I miss your posts on the forum, and some of the heated discussions that ALWAYS seemed to crop up from time to time. Miss ya.

You were a beautiful baby, with the biggest prettiest blue eyes I had ever seen. You were also the first baby I ever held. You were the best combination of both of your parents. I miss the sparkle in your eye. I especially loved the way you made your Nanny laugh and smile! We are lucky to have photos. Thank you for giving us Sarah. I wish I could make this easier for her and your parents. I love that you are a sparkling star (thanks, Kay)!

Happy Birthday Drew!

I only got to see you a few times over the years, but in that time you became family. I wish you had gotten to meet Liz, I know she would have loved you (Do me a favor and keep an eye on her if you can). I think of you as her uncle – as she gets older I will tell her about you and have Sarah tell her about you.

I can’t think of anyone more deserving of having a star named after them. Always so quiet, you had a way of bringing calmness to a situation.

It was a joy to know you.

Though I never met Andrew face to face I knew him online for years. One of my deepest regrets is that I never took him up on his many offers to come out and fly with him. He was a fine young man that positively affected a lot of lives and I will always remember and miss him.

I had the distinct pleasure of taking a short flight with you at the Kingsville Air Show last year. I will never forget the experience. You were calm and nonchalant. Hell, you tackled wind that would make a Blackhawk crew think twice, and handled it as if it was nothing in a tiny R44, chatting and laughing it up the entire time.

Genuinely good people are harder and harder to come by these days, but you’re one of them. I think of you every time I see a R44 buzzing by, whenever I see a black Tacoma, and I certainly will when I step into the cockpit and take the stick.

Pilots never die, they just buzz off.

Many talks about life and stuff over the years were a joyous part of my ‘kid-sitting’ experiences with Andrew. His intelligent perspective of life made every conversation an enlightening event, and he always made me smile with an ‘aha’ moment, while he shared a new slant on just about everything; “The World, According to Andrew!” He managed as an adult to squeeze in a lifetime of adventure, conquering the sky, and discovering true love. His relationship with lovely Sarah is a great mirror – a tribute to the important life lessons he had learned well. Learning so much about his giving and caring nature towards this very special young woman has given me great comfort to know he didn’t miss anything in his short time on earth. The impact he has made on so many of us is heartwarming and eternal. His memory continues to inspire me daily in endless ways and his spirit has taken on a vast positive influence in so many areas of importance to me that I am overcome with the wonder of his continuing presence. I am grateful. Thank you for these gifts Andrew.

Like the stars, you were a quiet, sparkling student in my class. You had depths that no one could reach, but there was a definite aura of brilliance. I remember vividly our conversation at Valerie’s graduation party. Now you had found yourself, your soul mate and your passion. You were so excited telling me about your helicopter experiences, and I knew you were now on your way to leading such a fulfilled life. Sad news, so soon. Now though you are really a sparkling star, looking down on all those you left, but continue to inspire and love.

I remember meeting Drew for the first time. Sarah and I have been friends since high school and she couldn’t stop raving about this wonderful man she had met.

She told me how at first it was just a friends type of relationship between the both of them – and then later I heard about how it had blossomed in to this wonderful relationship filled with love, understanding, hardships, personal goals, and my favorite – romance!

I finally met Drew in Corpus. He was flat out one of the best people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. He was so laid back and down to earth, funny, adventurous, and best of all – he was completely head over heels in love with one of my best friends! We ate and chatted for what seemed like 10 minutes but most likely resembled 3 hours at the water street market. Then we headed over to this really neat little surf shop museum and he, Sarah and I laughed and hung out at this little shop/museum for a bit longer.

I kept hearing wonderful stories about Drew after I met him.

I only saw him twice after that – and they were both wonderful memories. I can still see him staring down at Sarah and knowing that he was thinking, “I am such a lucky guy!”

He was a wonderful person – and is dearly missed.

I wish we all could have been able to go camping together. Or on a trip together.

I know he still travels with Sarah wherever she goes. She’s filled with his love, and it’s as obvious as the look he would have on his face when he looked at her.

You were and ARE part of a wonderful adventure, Drew. Miss you.

-Monica

I remember how enthused you were about flying. I used to say a prayer that God would guide you safely along. You gave the G&A forum a special spirit. We all loved you Drew. And I was never more proud of a fellow Texan. You were the best of the forum brother.

Mike

Fair winds and following seas as you navigate the heavens.

Fly forever on a wing and a prayer my brother, when it comes my time, you will be there on the LZ to carry me home. Miss you so much!

Aloha brother, Really miss your posts and adventures on the forum. Bet you’re flying some awesome copters up there. Clear skies forever.

Drew. I remember the times we had on the Guadalupe River. I remember the time you and I took a ride down a dirt road near the river to meet up with the rest of the gang and the fun we had with the truck going bouncy bouncy yet in some kind of smooth way that trucks are meant to do. I remember the few times we’ve shared a beer together. I remember the time you and I were getting out of the river…going up some steps and your girl Sarah was walking right in front of us talking with a friend. I will never forgot how your eyes lingered on her not with lust, but with so much love and admiration for her. I remember when I asked you… “I can tell you think she’s hot….and I agree she indeed is” I will never forget that look you had of love for her and the way you said “Hell yeah, she’s freaking hot!” :D The camping trips will never be the same without you Drew but I know know you will be there in spirit. <3

While it’s sad to reflect on Drew’s life so seemingly too soon, it should give us solace that he left this world doing what he loved. May he rest in peace.

I knew Drew through the G&A forum, and always liked him. I was very saddened to hear of his tragic demise. I did, though, feel a certain kinship to him as we both are from good old west Texas. I understand he is from San Angelo, which is about 175 miles from Monahans, where I grew up.

May God bring comfort to all who are suffering with this.

Jerry

Drew, I regret that we didnt get to meet up in person. Prayers sent and see you on the other side.

I only met you once Drew. You were helping Sarah with a small photo shoot that she had set up. I remember distinctly how you and Sarah got along and were so natural and funny and sweet with each other. It was a shining example of a love that I would hope I’d find and am very fortunate to have found in my now husband. Your wife (because I know she is even if not on paper) continues to inspire me to appreciate love in every form and to love back more fiercely than before. Thank you.

Drew, I remember how thrilled you were when you got your helicopter license, and how much you enjoyed flying. It was your dream, and you’re one of the few people I know who actually got to live his dream.

Next time we meet on the other side, you’ll have to take me for a spin!

Miss you on the forum, Drew. Your sense of humor was primo! Enjoyed the stories of your flight training and the pictures you posted of flying and the places you went. Regret never getting to meet you in person; you are definitely my kind of people!

It is love alone that gives worth to all things. If only for a few moments, I saw it between that boy and his girl. It was a color without a name. You couldn’t capture that in any painting. Happy Birthday Andrew.

I remember the hot air balloon ride you, Sarah, and I took together. It certainly provided a different perspective of places we’ve seen everyday.

And, I particularly remember at the end, at night. Everyone was sharing in a bit of bubbly. I noticed a slight itch on the front of my neck, and I went to scratch it. Turns out it was a mosquito that was feeding for quite some time. It literally exploded and blood nearly coated my thumb.

Gross and funny all at the same time. And for a guy who takes pictures, it never occurred to me to pass my camera. What odd things we share.

Andrew, I miss you more all the time. You are my brother and I love you.