Walter D. Drew of North Andover passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at his home. He was 79 years of age.
Walter was the loving son of the late Lillian (McTeague) and Edmond Drew. Walter was larger than life – he was born during the Great Depression and the youngest of 11 children. Those challenging times required incredible drive and a tough skin, but Walter had an enormous heart and a constant sense of humor.
Walter was a consummate salesman, an avid sportsman and devoted dog lover. Walter loved people and loved to sell. Early in his career, he advanced from working in a shoe factory to traveling the world selecting spring shoe fashions in Milan. He was a rare force. Walter led sales teams for companies such as W.R. Grace and Hooker Chemical to name a few. In recent years, Walter enjoyed working with ATOP Polymers.
Walter loved the outdoors. His hunting experience spanned the world including deer hunting in New Hampshire, boar hunting in the south, dove hunting in Turkey and fishing off the Florida Keys.
Walter has always had a dog at his side. Most importantly, he understands dogs and is passionate about defending their fair treatment. Walter has been involved with the Gordon Setter Rescue Society for a number of years. Walters' current dog Abee will go to live with his good friend Mary Reynolds who loves dogs as much as Walter.
Walter's family and friends alike put Walter in the "one of a kind" category that will be impossible to replace.
Walter was the devoted father of Gregory Drew and his wife Jane of Portland, OR and Walter Drew, Jr. of Middletown, CT. He was the cherished grandfather of Katherine Drew Cogdill and her husband Jeremy of Portland, OR, Christine Drew of Seattle, WA and Alex Drew of Middletown, CT. Dear brother of Lillian Bevis of NY and Patricia Metzger of MD and predeceased by 9 brothers and sisters. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service celebrating Walter’s life will be held on Saturday at 11 am in the Chapel of the Doherty – Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden St. READING. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share remembrances with the Family on Friday from 4-8 pm in the Funeral Home. Parking is available in the municipal parking lot on Linden St.
Please honor Walter by making donations in memory of him to the MSPCA, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.