Henry Jackson Drew of Midland passed away on July 18, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer.Henry was born on October25, 1949 in North Kingston, Rhode Island to Henry Roote Jackson Drew and Elizabeth (Troop) Drew. He attended the University of Rhode Island. Seeking adventure, he headed for Alaska, first landing in Kodiak working in the fishing industry and then as part of a surveying crew for Noranda Copper Co. in the Brooks Range. In the winter months he was on the ski patrol at Mount Alyeska. He moved to Midland in the mid-1970’s and was employed by Quality Logging as a mudlogger until 2002 when he went to work as a gyroscopic specialist for GyroData, Inc. on Alaska’s North Slope.Henry was an avid fisherman and rarely missed a chance to fish the spring run of white bass on the Pedernales River or the salmon runs in Alaska. Henry loved the game of golf and although a natural left-hander was known to switch to right handed clubs from time to time in pursuit of the perfect game. He was loved for his kind and generous spirit and his sense of humor was ever present.Henry is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Betsy” Drew, his daughter, Dr. Christy Kerr and her husband Dr. Kevin Kerr of Stephenville, Texas, his step-son Andrew Lenhart of Midland, his brothers, Carl Drew of Hailey, Idaho; Raymond Gorman of New Bedford, Massachusetts; William Gorman of Barrington, Rhode Island and his sisters, Cathy Smith of Midland, Madeline Jackson of Portsmouth, Rhode Island and Julie Gorman of East Providence, Rhode Island, and several nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews who loved spending time with him. One of his greatest joys was being with his four grandchildren, Hudson, Carson, Katie and Jackson.Henry is preceded in death by his father Henry R.J. Drew, his mother Elizabeth Drew Gorman and his step-father, Raymond J. Gorman. Henry was a practitioner of “Pay it Forward” and would have appreciated such acts in his memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Midland or St. Jude’s Children’s’ Hospital.A visitation with the family at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home will be held from 2:00 to 4:00pm on July 28, 2017. A celebration of Henry’s life will follow at 4:00pm at the home of Jeff and Cathy Smith, 800 North F St.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,
