Douglas Edward Drew, 61, of Melbourne, died at William Childs Hospice House on September 4 surrounded by love.

He was born in New Jersey to William and Anita Drew and came to Indialantic in 1973.

Doug loved the Florida lifestyle and was an enthusiastic scuba diver, surfer, water skier, and fisherman.

He was a gifted athlete, beginning with Little League baseball on a team coached by his dad. He ran track, wrestled at Mel Hi, and played football at Hoover Jr. High, Mel-Hi, and finally, at the University of Florida as a walk-on. He was a linebacker at Florida and two-time special teams captain. He played in four bowl games as a Gator, and in his last game, the Gator Bowl - against Iowa, he recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.

After college, he followed his dad into homebuilding. While employed as the construction manager, he had no problem jumping in and helping the staff meet each deadline. As a trim carpenter, he'd go beyond the contract and help homeowners with the most minor details to make their house their dream home.

Everyone who has known him has a gigantic hole in their hearts. If he could help someone, he did. He was the first to check on people after natural disasters, offering help with any repairs and rebuilding. Your joy was his joy. No dog was ever a strange dog to him.

He is survived by his sister Sue Gilman and her husband Warren, brother Mike Drew and his wife Heather, nieces Rebecca Drew, Melissa Chandler and her husband Alexander, longtime love Nina Keck, and all who have the privilege to call him their friend.

Davis-Seawinds, Melbourne, is handling arrangements. His ashes will be scattered at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to William Childs Hospice House, 381 Medplex Pkwy NE, Palm Bay, FL 32907, in Doug's name.