Allan K. Drew

SARASOTA, Fla. – Allan Drew, 85, passed away peacefully Nov. 9, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Milford, Mass. on Sept. 11, 1940, Allan lived a full and varied life that reflected his curiosity, compassion, and love for people and nature.

Allan was influenced by Nearing’s book “The Good Life” and spent his energy producing what he could from the land. Whether in the country or the city, he had his hands in the soil. From vegetable gardens and fruit trees to maple syrup, strawberry farms and chickens, he fed his family and neighbors from what he grew. He lived life as simply as possible, and like an old hippie, gave credence to “the universe will provide” philosophy, like his mentors Helen and Scott.

Allan also had an adventurous spirit that he passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He took his kids on road-trips with a camper he built in the basement and a few bucks in his pocket. He built enormous kites that would fly high in summer skies. His children ran alongside him with winded laughter, as his enthusiasm was forever contagious.

Allan designed and built passive solar houses in the 70’s and 80’s, as a response to the oil embargo and mile long lines for gasoline. He would build a solar house, move his family into it, then sell it and build another one. Often his timing wasn’t great and one house would sell before the next one was finished. Forever the problem solver, he’d move his family into tents, making do with sleeping bags, an outhouse and a fire. Each time, though, he would cultivate the land around him, keeping his children busy.

In the 90’s Allan went back to school, earning a certification in Massage Therapy, and honed this new craft with a specialty of orthopedic deep tissue massage. He loved helping people and continued this work into his 80’s. He also loved chatting and visiting old school style and his front deck soon became a gathering place. He called it happy hour, but it often went beyond an hour. It was an opportunity for people on the street to come together when the weather was nice, talk and solve problems.

Allan’s life journey took him from his Massachusetts roots to New Hampshire to Sarasota, Fla., then to Portland, Maine, before returning to Sarasota in his final years, always surrounded by family.

He is survived by his 3-wheel recumbent bike (which kept him active despite having Parkinson’s Disease for many years); four children, Laurey, Doug, Derek, and Pete; 11 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and two more great-grandchildren on the way. His family and friends will remember him for his warmth, humor, and unwavering belief in the good of humanity.