Alan Walter Drummer

Alan Walter Drummer passed away peacefully at home on January 20, 2026, after living with brain cancer (glioblastoma) for nearly five years. Alan handled his illness with his characteristic positivity and good cheer, determined to make the most of every day. In the days leading up to his passing, he was surrounded by family, friends, music, and much love. His joy and enthusiasm have been an inspiration to many to make the most of life, no matter the circumstances.

Alan spent his early childhood in Wisconsin, his youth in New Jersey, his college years in Massachusetts, and his adulthood in California. He was an explorer and traveled extensively, including three hitchhiking trips back and forth across the United States in his youth and multiple international adventures in later years. He once recreated Snowshoe Thompson’s mail delivery route in the Sierra Nevada by skiing from place to place and camping in the snow for seven days. Throughout his life, wherever he was, Alan remained adventurous, curious, and open to new experiences.

Alan loved learning. He graduated from Sidwell Friends School in 1975 and Harvard University in 1979. He was grateful for the education he received at these schools and continued to cultivate his intellect all his life through reading, particularly about history and current events. Alan was equally grateful for the relationships he formed at these schools. His wonderful circle of friends meant so much to him, especially during his most recent years.

Alan also loved nature and the outdoors. After college, Alan became enamored with Northern California and made it his home. He savored California’s natural beauty and his easy access to hiking, cycling, climbing, kayaking, and camping. One of Alan’s greatest joys was sharing these pursuits with his family and friends. Despite certain limitations imposed by his disease, he remained determined to participate in outdoor adventures as best he could. Among other things,
he went on several exotic sailing trips with his sailing buddies and, with the help of friends, summited the Grand Teton.

Music was another of Alan’s passions. He sang beautifully, danced enthusiastically, and savored music throughout his life. There wasn’t a music genre he didn’t appreciate.

Professionally, Alan worked in advertising and marketing, including at Sony PlayStation and IBM. He took great pleasure in creating content and working with colleagues he respected. Among his favorite professional accomplishments were an award-winning advertising campaign for milk and a documentary about the United States Navy SEALS.

Above all, Alan loved his family. He adored his wife Charlene and was a wonderful father to their son Dylan and daughter Dasha. Family adventures that focused on the outdoors, exploration, and travel defined his years as a parent. Alan especially enjoyed coaching Dylan’s baseball teams and dancing with Dasha.

Those who knew Alan will remember his warmth, intelligence, sweet smile, and fundamental goodness. In addition to “seize the day” and “you can write a new page every day,” one of his mantras was “do not quit.” After being struck by lightning on Mount Rainier, he got up and continued on. After being stricken with cancer, he got up and carried on, making the most of his time with all of us and inspiring those around him to do the same.

The family wishes to thank UCSF’s Neuro-Oncology Department and Dr. Jennifer Clarke in particular. With her help, Alan lived nearly five years after his diagnosis, a tribute to her excellent care and his determination not to quit.

Alan is survived by his beloved wife, Charlene; his son, Dylan (Natalie); his daughter, Dasha; and his sister Dorothy Drummer (Greg Eden). He was predeceased by his sister Kathryn Drummer. His family and friends will miss him terribly.

A private memorial will be held in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to remember Alan to plant a tree in a grove dedicated to his memory: https://www.treesforachange.com/pages/Alan-Drummer.