On Thursday, August 6th, 2026, Zachary Charles Douglas Drew passed away at the age of 41.
Zach lived a life filled with love, service, generosity, and quiet strength. He was a dedicated husband, an amazing father, trusted friend, beloved family member, and compassionate leader who devoted his life to helping others find hope.
Zach and Rachel spent twenty wonderful years growing together and creating a life side by side. They got married on December 31, 2010, and welcomed two incredible daughters, Liv and Casey. Zach loved his family deeply and unconditionally. His support was unwavering, and nothing made him happier than being a husband and dad.
If you knew Zach, you felt what it meant to be truly accepted. He had a gentle spirit that made people feel secure. He saw individuals for who they were rather than where they had been; he offered encouragement without judgment and believed in people even when they struggled to believe in themselves.
Zach enjoyed fitness, loved animals, and found tranquility in creating beautiful outdoor spaces. He cherished afternoons spent around the poker table with good friends and had a dry sense of humor; he always seemed to have the perfect sarcastic comment ready just when it was needed most.
Above all else, he valued the simple moments with his family – reading together, baking treats, playing video games, making music, bedtime snuggles, board games, dog walks, or just being together. He adored his daughters and delighted in seeing many of the best parts of himself mirrored back through them.
Zach’s own journey through addiction and recovery greatly influenced his life. He maintained his recovery without forgetting where he came from; he used his experiences to help others find their path forward.
Zach dedicated his career to supporting those on their road to recovery. He served as Director of the Teen Challenge Saskatchewan Men’s Centre before leading the design and development of Teen Challenge Canada’s National Ongoing Care Program. He understood that recovery doesn’t stop when treatment ends; what he built will continue helping people and their families across Canada long after he’s gone.
For many years, Zach also carried burdens that most didn’t see fully. After a long struggle with mental illness that was very personal for him, he passed away peacefully at home.
The illness that took him does not lessen the love he gave or the lives he impacted. It serves as a reminder that even those who spend their lives offering hope to others sometimes need help carrying their own burdens.
Zach will be remembered for how deeply he loved others-his kindness and generosity; his humor; his commitment to family; and his steadfast belief in everyone’s potential.
Zach’s influence continues through his family-the work he’s done-and in all the countless lives improved simply because he was here.
Celebration of Life
Since Zach’s life touched so many beyond our immediate community we will host a Virtual Gathering of Memories for him on August 22nd at 2pm CST/MDT.
Everyone whose life was touched by Zach is invited to join from anywhere you are to share your favorite memory-a story that makes you smile or laugh; something Zach taught you; an act of kindness; or simply what knowing him meant for you. Memories can be shared aloud or written in the chat box; photos and videos are also warmly welcomed.
The gathering will be recorded so that memories collected can become keepsakes for his daughters-allowing them throughout their lives to revisit stories about their dad while remembering how deeply loved he was along with how many lives were positively impacted by him.
Register here
If you’re unable to attend you’re welcome to share stories or memories here.
In Memory of Zach
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Zach’s name to the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health Endowment through the Royal University Hospital Foundation-supporting mental health care for individuals and families within our community.
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