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STUART, Fla. - David F. "Dusty" Drew III, 76, of Stuart, Fla., and Standish, Maine, died on Jan. 31, 2019. He was born on Dec. 20, 1942, in Portland, Maine, to the late David F., Jr. and Beverly Beale Drew.
Dusty graduated from Standish High School and Springfield College and earned a master's degree in education from Boston University.
For many years Dusty and his wife owned and operated Camp Wekeela on Bear Pond in Hartford, Maine, where young people from highly varied backgrounds spent memory-making summers having fun while absorbing life-lessons along the way.
At the University of Southern Maine, where Dusty taught and coached baseball, he had a 206-143 record and won five NAIA District 5 championships. The 1985 team won the Area 8 championship and became the first Maine team to participate in the NAIA College World Series. Dusty earned several NAIA District Coach of the Year awards and served as chairman of the NAIA Baseball Committee for five years. In 1999, he was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame and in 2004 was named to the USM Husky Hall of Fame.
Dusty served on many town committees in Standish and was a past president of the Kiwanis Club and Watchic Lake Association. He volunteered for the Red Cross and Meals on Wheels program in Stuart, as well as Miles Grant Country Club. Dusty was most fulfilled as a mentor to young people both on and off the ballfield. He enjoyed dancing and classical music and looked forward every year to spending summers in Maine (mostly in his lakeside vegetable garden) and winters in Florida (mostly golfing or volunteering). He was an avid fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers (for whom he once tried out), as well as the Red Sox and Patriots. During his retirement, he regularly coached from his recliner, and made predictions for his supported teams' success based upon his own unique analysis.
Dusty had a tremendous work ethic, and was also an organizational genius. Whether it was almost single-handedly bringing back to life the physical plant of a long-closed summer camp, organizing camper or spring baseball trips, feeding all of the athletes at USM during periods when the cafeteria was closed, running a golf tournament at Miles Grant, or overseeing a Kiwanis dinner, Dusty easily took on great responsibility, and had fun while creating memorable times for others.
Dusty is survived by his brother, Donald F. Drew (Martha) of Standish, Maine; his sister, Debra Martin (Jimmie Walraven) of Englewood, Fla.; and his son, Thomas Cronin (Patricia) of Gloucester, Mass. He is survived by grandchildren, Melissa McMahon (Conor) of San Diego, Calif., and Scott Cronin (Andreane Bolduc) of Brighton, Mass.; several nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Claire Drew of Stuart, Fla. He was predeceased by his son, Timothy Cronin.
At Dusty's request there will be no service. The family would like to extend special thanks to Treasure Coast Hospice and to the caring and compassionate staffs of Hay-Madiera House and Harper House.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting www.Martin-Funeral.com.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My Deepest Sympathy To Debbi and your Family. I'll always remember that first summer at Wekeela and how Dusty put life into that camp for so many kids.
Victoria Spinale
March 25, 2019
You probably didn't realize how many lives you touched over the decades Dusty. You were humble, inspiring, and had fantastic humor. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and guidance during my college years at USM and at wild & wonderful Camp Wekeela! Rest In Peace.
Marian Drake Schwabauer
February 14, 2019
Thank you Dusty! Your efforts allowed me to play the game I love and have so many great experiences! Thank you for not just being a great coach but friend too!
Glenn
USM Captain 85
Glenn Dumont
February 13, 2019
Thanks for everything, Dusty. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to play the game we both loved. If not for you, I would have never met many great lifelong friends that have had a positive impact. We'll miss you, but never forget you.
USM Captain '82
Mac McKew
February 12, 2019
Dusty, thanks for having faith in me, and giving me a chance!
Jim Sawyer UMPG Baseball 1974-1976
February 12, 2019
God Bless!
Jim Brown
February 11, 2019
My sincere condolences may the loving memories you shared sustain you now and in the days ahead may the God of all comfort be with you
February 11, 2019
Gone too soon, Dusty....You left a little of yourself with all whom you touched...
Roxie (Brown) Larain-Shaw, SHS '60
February 10, 2019
May Go bless you and your family at this time of sorrow.I know my dad Charles Libby had great respect for you and your family.
Reis Libby
February 10, 2019
My heart goes out to Dusty's family and friends. I have fond memories of Dusty and his family while growing up in the Paine Neighborhood and of him as a former classmate at Standish High School.
Jean Cobb
February 10, 2019
My first love in 1st grade.
Coralie Tompson
February 10, 2019
Dusty, we started in the first grade together and went through them all, including graduation in 1960. I worked with your mom at Kiwanis, and your family was always dear to me. Standish has a great loss in your leaving. I'm heartbroken to know you've gone.
Beverly Hartford
February 10, 2019
Ah Dusty! What a treasure to have been a small part of your life. I have lots of memories of USM and you're a part of so many of them. I loved your humor and sharing experiences and enjoyments; we had many of those in common. Finally I'll say that one of my most important achievements was winning the Drew award for my volunteer work at USM way back in 1999. I had to look that up. Wasn't it just last week? I hadn't seen you for quite awhile but I'll miss you just the same. Peace, my friend.
Noelle Neuwirth
February 10, 2019
Rest in peace dear friend. You reached for the stars and followed your dreams. School mates and friends forever. Love Pamela Bouchey (Seavey)
pamela bouchey
February 10, 2019
Cousin Dusty, a wonderful soul and good person, with loving thoughts always, Cousin Linda and Steve
Linda and Steve Libby
February 10, 2019
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Martin Funeral Home - Stuart Chapel961 South Kanner Highway, Stuart, FL 34994
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