.jpg "Drew R.E. Wallen")
It is with great sadness that the family of Drew R.E. Wallen shares the news of his passing in Davie, Florida, on April 2 after a brief illness.
Drew was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Jan. 31, 1947. He attended West Geauga High School and was a graduate of Antioch College. He was the owner and operator of the Yellow Gulch Saloon in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Drew moved to San Francisco briefly before settling on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, where he met his wife Patty Kurpiewski Wallen. Drew and Patty lived on St. Thomas for 25 years before moving to Florida.
Drew owned and operated Island Photo Service and Drew Wallen Consulting. He was an accomplished photographer, a sailor and a computer guru, but his true passion was being a wedding officiant. Drew married his first couple in 1968 and never looked back. Drew was a member of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas East, serving as president twice, and a recipient of a Paul Harris award.
He leaves his beloved wife, Patty Kurpiewski Wallen; siblings: Karen Wallen Bauman, Will DuGar and Sally DuGar; extended family and countless friends. Drew will be remembered for his unique sense of humor and living life on his own terms. Patty married him because she didn’t want to be bored. Drew didn’t disappoint.
A moving memorial is planned to celebrate Drew’s life. A visitation was held in Davie, Florida, to be followed by one in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 17. Dates for Boston and the Virgin Islands will be announced. Drew’s ashes will be returned home to his beloved Virgin Islands.
Donations can be made in his name to www.Rotary.org. Please mention the Rotary Club of Plantation, Florida, or Rotary Club of St. Thomas East, Virgin Islands.
