Andrew David Livingston

Drew was born in Coronado, California on September 26, 1977. He attended elementary school in San Diego and in Miami, Florida, and Windward High School in Los Angeles, California, graduating in 1995. He graduated from UCSD in 2001 with a BA degree in Visual Arts (Media and Computing). While at UCSD, Drew belonged to Sigma Alpha Mu, served as President of the DJ’s and Vinylphiles Club and enjoyed working on stagecraft for several theater productions.

Following graduation, Drew worked briefly at Hertz, but then followed his heart to become a chef. He graduated from the Laguna Culinary Arts Professional School, and was thrilled to be hired for the opening of the Loft restaurant at Montage Laguna Beach. He worked at the Loft Restaurant at the Montage Resort until he was diagnosed with a career-limiting medical condition that left him in chronic pain.

Reassessing his career options, Drew then decided to return to school at USC, and to pursue a career in teaching, where the physical demands of the job would be more manageable. He graduated with a degree in Sociology in 2010. Sadly, his medical condition worsened, and he passed away quietly on September 16, 2015. He is now at peace, and we pray that we will see him again in the next life.

Drew was an independent thinker. He saw the world as a wondrous opportunity to learn and observe and participate, but always looked for the alternative, never the mainstream. He was smart, funny, honest and kind - a man of great character and compassion. He showed heroic courage in dealing with his health challenges with strength and resolve. He was humble. He showed love and respect for all he met, volunteered to serve others where he could, and was helpful, honoring, positive and hopeful.

Drew was a great friend to his friends, a beloved son to his parents, a loving uncle to his nieces and nephews, and a generous soul to strangers. He will be missed by all who knew him during his all-too-brief time with us.

Andy’s cats were a great source of comfort and companionship. We think he’d be pleased if a donation were made to PetSmart Charities (www.petsmartcharities.org) or Petco Foundation (www.petcofoundation.org/) in lieu of flowers.