Andrew "Drew" Swank

1992 - 2009

SWANK, Andrew "Drew" Fremont (Age 17) Andrew "Drew" Fremont Swank joined his Father in heaven on September 27th, 2009 at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, WA at the age of 17 after suffering a severe injury in a football game. He and all of Heaven are rejoicing and celebrating his arrival! Drew was born to Donald and Patricia (Shively) Swank in Coeur d'Alene, ID on May 4th, 1992. The first two years of his life, he (our little snuggle bug) lived with his close knit family in Rathdrum, ID. In 1994 he moved with his family near Hauser Lake, ID where he lived until now. His home, located in the woods on a hillside, is exactly where a boy of his age would only dream of growing up. Throughout his life, Drew had a true passion for the outdoors. He and his brothers always loved to play with their Tonka trucks and dozers building roads. In fact, they are in the middle of a major construction project right now! Drew enjoyed countless hours exploring, hiking, camping, snowboarding, studying trail maps, and spending time with his dogs. Many times his brothers, sisters, mom and dad would join him on his excursions, especially his brother Tim. He would even tease his family that eventually he would become a "mountain man" and live off a diet strictly of huckleberries. When "confined" to the indoors due to weather, he occupied his time avoiding homework and spending cherished time with his family watching movies (Lord of the Rings/Napoleon Dynamite) and playing Rockband and Runescape. Drew was in Park and Rec soccer and flag football between the ages of five and eleven. In the sixth grade he was finally able to play junior tackle football. While at school, Drew's passion was spending time with his friends while playing football and track & field. When with his friends, Drew was always the one with the smile on his face and a funny line for everything. At the age of nine, Drew asked God to forgive his sins and he received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Drew attended North Country Chapel in Post Falls, ID with his family and was growing in the grace and in the knowledge of his Lord. The love of God shone through him! He was the silent peacemaker in the home and he had a goodness about him that his family adored. We are all so proud of the mighty Spirit of God that was kindling in him. Drew attended Post Falls Christian School for grades one through seven. In 2006, Drew, along with Rowee and Tim, enrolled in Valley Christian School in Spokane, WA where they found a loving and nurturing fellowship. When Drew's family was asked about organ donation, all family members strongly supported giving the gift of his life to others. Our hearts are deeply aching that he is gone from us but in our faith, we know he is here in spirit. Drew is a hero in our eyes because his gift of life has saved the lives of others. We believe God is doing a great and mighty work through our son and brother. Our heartache and loss will bring great hope and joy to many (Psalm 30:5). It is truly fitting for the person he has always been. It is so important to us that people know Drew's goodness - kind, gentle, thoughtful, passionate, pure, and innocent. We also want you to know how honored he would be to know that he gave the ultimate sacrifice for others to live. Survivors include his father, Don Swank and his mother Patti (Shively) Swank of Hauser Lake, ID, sisters Tara Swank, Hauser Lake, ID, Nikki (Matt) Albright, Anchorage, AK, Tammy (Jed) Bergom, Rathdrum, ID, Rowee Swank, Hauser Lake, ID; brothers Luke Swank, CdA, ID, Judd Swank, CdA, ID, and Tim Swank, Hauser Lk, ID; nieces, Brynn and Riona Albright; nephews, Bode Albright and Brently Bergom; grandma Emogene (Shively) Bissett; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by grandparents Don E. Swank, Don Shively, and Wilma Ferrell. The strength of our family comes from the faith we have in God which is helping us get through this tragic event. God can turn this curse into a blessing (Deut. 23:5). We know that Drew is firmly held in the right hand of God (Psalm 20:6) and nothing shall be able to separate him from the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39). We feel such deep, aching grief but we rejoice in the life Drew led and the positive influence he has and will give to others. Thank you so much for all the love, support, and prayers. Our little Drewwe will miss you always, love you always, and you will ALWAYS be with us. Visitation will be from 2 - 7 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2009, at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, ID. Funeral Service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2009, at Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene, 15515 E. 20th Ave., Spokane, WA. A viewing will begin at 12:30 p.m. In true Drew form, we ask that casual wear be worn, 'especially' no ties. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Spokane. Reception to follow immediately after burial at Valley Christian School gymnasium, 10212 E. 9th Ave., Spokane Valley, WA. Please sign Drew's guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com. A fund to help defray medical expenses has been set up at Spokane Teachers Credit Union under "Andrew Swank". Please, out of respect for Drew, his family, and friends, no media attention during this event.