March 19, 1978 - March 15, 2021
Larger than life, the energy of the room, gregarious, loving and fun are all ways that family and friends have described and remembered Drew in their notes and supportive outreach.
After his fierce fight with COVID-19, it is with Drew-sized holes in our hearts that we announce his passing.
Born and raised in Timmins, Ontario, Canada, Drew spent his adult life in the United States and was an ultra-patriot for both Canada and the U.S., as witnessed by friends, family and colleagues found throughout the world. Drew’s orbit was grounded and rooted in one place, though, in and through his love for his partner and wife, Kandace (nee Olling) and as a father of his two incredible boys, Alexander and Sebastian. He was also a dear pet-dad to Seamus “Moose”, Anna, Killian, Ash, and Binx. Nothing mattered more to Drew than his family, and this is an area of Drew’s life that he wore most proudly on his sleeve without fail.
Through his unreserved passion for his family and for living life to the fullest, Drew made all of his decisions.
Left to support Kandi and the boys are Drew’s heartbroken parents, Don and Jean Chorney, Renee Armes (Bryan), Mike Olling (Lynn). Drew’s siblings were among his best friends (and celebration enthusiasts) and include Dwight (Donna), Alison (Dwayne), Shawn (Jessica), Dawna (Kyle) and Justin (Ashlee). We have been fortunate as a family to have collected many unforgettable memories fueled by so many good times. Drew will also remain “epic” in the minds and hearts of his nieces and nephews, Thomas, Ben, Owen, Grace, Quinton, Austin, Madilyn, Ayden, Annabelle and Katelyn, who have taken up the charge of supporting their Michigan cousins to ensure that they always have the support they need to grow up in the Chorney traditions.
Drew was also loved by many aunts, uncles and cousins in the Chorney, Clarke, Armes and Olling families and held a special place in the hearts of his loving godparents, Santé and Franca Filice. We all take comfort in knowing that Drew has joined his grandparents, Tom and Jean Chorney and Ray and Pauline Clarke, in eternal love.
Drew could be described in so many ways. One of them was a fierce competitor, as witnessed through his untamed love of sports, including his record-setting competitive swimming career with the Timmins Marlins Swim Club, Eastern Michigan University and beyond. He epitomized a caring and fair approach to coaching young athletes in his community in baseball and hockey clubs.
Drew’s energy and “full-send” approach to life were squarely backed by intelligence and drive, and throughout his award-winning career in corporate real estate and community-development, Drew touched many lives; he was proud of the fingerprint he was leaving on the communities in which he lived.
Drew will continue to be lovingly referred to by so many as Drew Bear, reflecting his caring regard, compassion and constant attention to ensuring that his family and friends were comfortable and would never go without. Drew would literally give anyone the shirt off his back if it was needed. He was generous of time, energy, food and in any way that helped to alleviate adversity and challenge for the people around him. This kindness extended to include an incredible love of animals and their welfare, one of many things that grounded Drew and Kandi together as they built their life together.
A visitation has been planned for Drew on March 23rd from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236; the first hour of the service will be limited to family. To commemorate Drew, wear your favorite team apparel to the service – bonus for U of M!
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Alexander and Sebastian’s College Funds at https://gofund.me/c3bcbdf5">GoFundMe
A celebration befitting of the life Drew shared with our husband, son, brother, uncle, and best friend will be held at a later date when we can all be together.
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