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Andrew Walker Trafton
Andrew Walker Trafton
Obituary
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Andrew Trafton Obituary
Andrew, often called Drew by those who loved him, was born in Arlington Heights, IL on December 3, 1973.
He graduated from Cary Grove High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University.
He was employed for 27 years by Boething Treeland Farms in Woodland Hills, CA as Corporate Head of the Pest and Soil Program and Manager of Purchasing.
Andrew is survived by his father David (Caren) , mother Shirley, sister Laura Szatkowski (Michael) and dear niece Jenna.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Chicago Botanical Gardens where Andrew earned his designation as an Illinois Certified Arborist, while still a high school student.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Luis Cervantes
October 9, 2024
Luis Cervantes
October 9, 2024
I still can´t wrap my head around you being gone. I miss and think about you every day. You were right about so much, how I wish I could see and hold you once again. I can´t believe it has been a year since you left us. Every time I hear Tina sing "Simply the best" I´m reminded of you and how you would sing "Give me a lifetime of promises and a world of dreams
Speak a language of love like you know what it means, and it can't be wrong
Take my heart and make it strong, baby. You're simply the best. Better than all the rest. Better than anyone, Anyone I've ever met"
Luis Cervantes
October 9, 2024
Nicole Koop
August 8, 2024
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Nicole Koop
August 8, 2024
Nicole Koop
August 7, 2024
Nicole Koop
August 7, 2024
Nicole Koop
August 7, 2024
Nicole Koop
August 7, 2024
Nicole Koop
August 7, 2024
More pictures for Drew's Celebration of Life!
Nicole Koop
August 7, 2024
Nicole Koop
August 7, 2024
Nicole Koop
August 7, 2024
Nicole Koop
August 7, 2024
Nicole Koop
August 7, 2024
Nicole Koop
August 7, 2024
Drew's Celebration of Life! December 3, 2023 at Rockpointe in Chatsworth, CA.
Sam McDermott
December 8, 2023
Cara DeVan
December 4, 2023
Andrew was my oldest cousin by 8 years. He always made a point to include me, to talk to me and inquire about my interests. He was a genuinely KIND person, and I wish that I had had more opportunities to hang out with him in adult-hood. His memory will live on in endless love and kindness.
SHERYL J LEVINE
December 4, 2023
Shirley, Jim had a memorial for Andrew yesterday. It was wonderful. All there friends were there and he was in all
Of our hearts!!!!
Ruth Maehara
December 3, 2023
Ruth Maehara
December 3, 2023
Ruth Maehara
December 3, 2023
Ruth Maehara
December 3, 2023
Ruth Maehara
December 3, 2023
Laura Szatkowski
December 3, 2023
I miss you Drew. Everyday. I miss you. I miss our talks, our laughs. I miss my brother.
Laura Szatkowski
December 3, 2023
Ruth Maehara
December 3, 2023
Drew, you always made me laugh. We always laughed together no matter what. I remember he helped me thru a difficult time. I wanted to cry but we laughed instead. Drew, you are truly missed. Frankie remembers you, she´s 13 now...
Melody Anderson
November 30, 2023
Melody Anderson
November 29, 2023
Drew and I could sit outside and talk for hours without running out of things to say. He was a great conversationalist as well as a gentleman. I never opened a door if Drew was around. He would literally run to a door and open it for me before I could reach for it. He was so warm and compassionate and always cared about how my family was doing and interested in all the details. I love you Drew and will miss you deeply.
Melody Anderson
November 29, 2023
Melody Anderson
November 29, 2023
Melody Anderson
November 29, 2023
Melody Anderson
November 29, 2023
Drew and I could sit outside and talk for hours and never run out of things to say. We had so many laughs and good times together. I never opened any kind of door when he was around. He would always run to any door and open it for me. He was a true gentleman and a great conversationalist. I will miss you my friend.
Nicole Koop
November 14, 2023
Nicole Koop
November 14, 2023
Nicole Koop
November 14, 2023
Nicole Koop
November 14, 2023
Nicole Koop
November 14, 2023
Nicole Koop
November 14, 2023
Nicole Koop
November 14, 2023
Nicole Koop
November 14, 2023
Nicole Koop
November 14, 2023
Nicole Koop
November 14, 2023
Nicole Koop
November 14, 2023
Nicole Koop
November 14, 2023
Nicole Koop
November 14, 2023
Missing my dear friend! More pictures...
Sam McDermott
November 13, 2023
Every time I met Andrew at a family gathering, I came away thinking the same thing. Warm. Kind. Generous. Welcoming. Funny. Great laugh. Interesting to talk to. Always thinking of the other person. An all around great guy, who I and my family are going to miss very very much. God Bless You, Andrew
Michael McDermott
November 12, 2023
When I was little and Drew's and Jim's dog Bailey was still alive, I would join Drew on his walks with Bailey. Drew and I would talk about all things from what I was up to recently to philosophical topics of what life was all about. I remember so clearly the way he would explain things to me when I was curious about new topics and ideas. One of them was why does Bailey sniff every tree and bush we passed by. Drew said, "Well, dogs leave their scents in the area to mark their presence. Think of it as them leaving a message for the next one to read and maybe reply. That's why Bailey sometimes pees near it, she's saying hi." I don't know why this memory stuck with me up to now, but it was the first memory I recalled of Drew. Something so simple, on a calm, brisk night. To this day, I look at my own dog and think that she's doing exactly what Drew explained, reading messages from other dogs and replying. That was who Drew was to me, someone who cared deeply and was down to earth, sharing everything he knew with me. I'm so glad I was able to talk to you and experience your genuine personality for the last time earlier this year. You told me you were proud of me, wished me and Jisun the best, and that we were both moving towards better and brighter things. We hugged and said we'll try to keep in touch, then you drove off for the last time. I can't express how much of an impact you had in my life, especially during my younger years. While I know you are physically gone now, you will never be gone to me, as a part of you remains with me everyday through the walks I have with my dog, reminding me of the simple moments we shared together when I was little.
Therese Long
November 11, 2023
Drew was always very fun, funny and affectionate at family gatherings. He and I shared some laughs and I always felt that he had such a kind heart. My family - Bill, Amanda, Ashley, Carly and I - send our condolences to Drew´s family.
Respectfully,
Therese Long
Marilyn Ruel
November 10, 2023
My condolences to all of Andrew´s family and friends. I remember him as a kind and welcoming man. I met Drew through Jim. We shared some special times at Malibu gatherings, McDermott homes and Yosemite camping trips. There was always fun and laughter.
He left us too soon. Sending love and sympathy ... Marilyn Ruel
Christi McDermott
November 10, 2023
Christi McDermott
November 10, 2023
Christi McDermott
November 10, 2023
I remember the first time I met Andrew over 20 years ago. It was at a McDermott Thanksgiving and I sat next to him. I whispered a joke to him and he cracked up! That was the first time I had heard Drew´s joyful, infectious laugh! And I can still hear it. I always looked forward to the family get togethers so I could see Andrew and catch up with him (and get a bunch of his bear hugs). He was so warm and kind and always asked how my family (especially my two sons) and I were doing. And I would ask about his family, and his face always lit up when telling me stories about his niece, Jenna. He truly cared about other people. My last phone call with Drew was when he called me after my beloved dog, Forrest, passed away. He knew how I felt as he had lost his fur baby girl, Bailey. We had a wonderful conversation and shared funny stories about our "babies." Although, I hadn´t talked to Drew in a while before that, just the fact that he reached out to me knowing that I was hurting, shows what a loving, caring, kind, and compassionate person Drew truly was. It just breaks my heart knowing that I´ll never see or talk to Drew again, but I´m blessed to have known him and heaven has gained another angel. Love you Drew!
Lisa Peterson
November 10, 2023
The fact that Drew lived a town next to me, when he was going to high school was kind of mind blowing for the both of us. I'd met him thru Jim, one of my friends at WB. Who knew? After having spent a number of years in Barrington, my parents bought a home in Crystal Lake after I'd been in between colleges. While working at WB, the timing just never seemed to work, where we would have been in IL at the same time, to hang out. I'm truly saddened to hear of his passing & am so very sorry for your loss. He will truly be missed & was always very kind to me. Petey
Luis Cervantes
November 6, 2023
Luis Cervantes
November 6, 2023
Luis Cervantes
November 6, 2023
Luis Cervantes
November 6, 2023
Luis Cervantes
November 6, 2023
Luis Cervantes
November 6, 2023
Luis Cervantes
November 6, 2023
Drew was one of the kindest most sincere person I´ve met. I´ll always remember the way he made me feel. As if I was the only person that mattered to him. We had so many plans for the future, trips he was excited to join me on and places he wanted me to experience with him. Attached are a few images from our time together- Drew´s first Dodger game, Drew at the Temple of Debod in Barcelona and our trip to Toledo.
Pennie Trafton
October 29, 2023
Pennie Trafton
October 29, 2023
Pennie Trafton
October 29, 2023
I first met Andrew when he was 9 years old. He was full of enthusiasm and a joy to be around. My then husband (Dave´s brother) and I spent many happy times with Shirley, Dave, Laura, and Andrew. I can remember playing lots of games and laughing for hours. I especially remember the New Year´s Eve celebrations we would hold at one of our houses. The pictures I chose to include here are from one of those New Year´s Eves and typical of the fun we had. Andrew´s smile and laugh were infectious as you can see in one of these pictures! I watched Andrew grow into a responsible adult while maintaining his interest in everyone. I moved to northern California and later I was happy to hear that Andrew had moved to southern California. We didn´t see each other often, but when we did it was such a joy for me to see him and hear about all he was doing. I remember how hard he worked at his job and the pleasure he took in his accomplishments. He was just as fun to be with then as he was in his growing up years. One quality he never lost was his interest in other people. When we talked, he always wanted to know all about my life and what I was doing. His questions always amazed me at how much he remembered. He took a genuine interest in my life and in the lives of those around him. Although he had some rough times before he passed away, I will always remember the enthusiastic and happy Andrew that I grew to love in those early days.
Paul Fischler
October 27, 2023
Paul Fischler
October 27, 2023
Andrew was a dear friend I will miss terribly. I was shocked to learn of his passing & my heart goes out to his family as well as all who knew him. I´d known him seemingly forever so am sharing a photo from 1999 & a photo of my dog that Andrew loved
Paul Fischler
October 27, 2023
Paul Fischler
October 27, 2023
Brian McDermott
October 25, 2023
Drew was truly a genuine person. A "How are you?" from Drew wasn't a greeting, but an honest inquiry into how you are doing. When you answered or expounded upon how you are doing, he truly listened, he genuinely heard you. He asked questions, sought clarification and never once made the conversation about himself.
Knowing him for over 20 years he never faltered in his genuineness, it was real. No matter if he was having a rough time, he was interested in you. Most people wait for their turn to talk, Drew waited on every word you said. A true true friend... He is and will always be greatly missed
Nicole Koop
October 25, 2023
Nicole Koop
October 25, 2023
Nicole Koop
October 25, 2023
Nicole Koop
October 25, 2023
Nicole Koop
October 25, 2023
Drew had the most beautiful spirit and soul. He was a friend who genuinely cared about everyone who was lucky enough to know him. He touched so many lives and will always be remembered for his infectious laugh, huge smile and warmth. He was my botanical encyclopedia and tolerated my endless question of "What plant/tree/grass is that, Drew?" in which he would give me the name in both English AND Latin without missing a beat. He brought so much fun and joy into my life and I'll forever miss him.
Gene Richau
October 24, 2023
Andrew was real gentleman and had a huge heart. I was one of his suppliers for well over twenty years. Most business relationships pretty much stay that way, but Andrew became a true friend. He cared about people and was probably the most ethical person I've dealt with. My favorite memory was our Good Friday lunch in the depths of the pandemic. We ate lousy take out food and sat across the room from each other bouncing industry dirt and gossip back and forth like we'd always had. Socially distanced, but far from socially distant. He was warm person and was always good for an uplifting conversation and some good laughs. Rest in peace old buddy, we miss you already
John Kumpart
October 23, 2023
John Kumpart
October 23, 2023
John Kumpart
October 23, 2023
John Kumpart
October 23, 2023
John Kumpart
October 23, 2023
John Kumpart
October 23, 2023
I will forever remember and love Drew for the way he would just strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone we'd meet, waiters, cabdrivers, wine pourers, everyone. He was the easiest person to talk to in the world. Drew would always ask me how I was doing, how my family was doing, and he genuinely listened and cared. And like others have said, that full hearted laugh of his was just the best. I'm so grateful for all the wonderful memories we made over twenty years of friendship. I will love and miss him for the rest of my days.
Lisa Hoffman
October 23, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with Andrew´s family and friends at this sad time. May Andrew´s memory always be eternal!
Gina Dandurand
October 23, 2023
I have known Drew for 21 years, having met him at my 40th birthday party in Las Vegas. He was invited as a guest of my guest/cousin Jim. Drew always would come up to me and give a big hug and say, "How are youuuuu"? He rarely talked about himself, always curious about what was going on in the lives of the people around him. I spent so many wonderful and fun times with Drew and am so sad about his passing, but he is in a better place and is watching over us now. I spent Christmas with him and Jim two years ago and they gave me a Caddy Shack gopher head cover for one of my golf clubs. I will never forget the excitement Drew had on his face while I was opening my present because he knew how much I love golf and Caddy Shack. I will never forget him! Love Gina
Roberta Sweat
October 22, 2023
I will always remember Drew's love of trees and how he helped all his neighbors at our homes in Rockpointe appreciate our urban forest and how he shared his horticulture knowledge as a volunteer on our Landscape Committee. He will be missed deeply.
Rob Renshaw
October 22, 2023
I met Drew through Jim, a friend and former co-worker at Warner Bros. From the moment we were first introduced, Drew made me feel like I was already part of his extended family. His smile was infectious. When I arrived at an event where I expected to see Drew, be it their annual holiday party or some entertainment industry event, I would continuously scan the crowd until I saw him. The moment our eyes locked, that beautiful smile spread across his face. Whatever he was doing or whomever he was speaking with, he immediately excused himself. We made a beeline toward each other for a hug and kiss. Whenever Drew asked, "how are you?", he wouldn´t accept the normal "I´m fine. How are you?" response and would follow up with "How are you... really?". Drew was always sincere and caring to me and made me feel loved.
My heart goes out to Drew's family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Abigail Fronczak
October 21, 2023
Dear Andrew,
Although you no longer physically walk beside us.
You exist among the trees.
In the crimson red of an autumn maple.
In the heavy bough of an evergreen kissed by fresh snow.
In the buds of spring growth, and the promise of intoxicating blooms to come.
Even in the dark days of dormancy- we will hear your contagious laugh and see your bright smile.
The sun may shift and change, but the cycle continues and through death there is new life.
We know where to find you-
You exist among the trees.
In loving rememberance.
The Christopher Fronczak Family
Ann Hall
October 21, 2023
I have known Andrew all his life. He was a wonderful person. He will be dearly missed. Rest in peace Andrew.
Janie Meneses
October 20, 2023
Janie Meneses
October 20, 2023
Janie Meneses
October 20, 2023
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