Andrew Hopely

Andrew Michael Hopely was born on November 22, 1987, in Bellingham, WA to Dale and Kimberly; he passed away at his home in Phoenix on February 9, 2022. Drew was an excellent student and an excellent musician. He began playing the guitar at 10 years old under the guidance and tutelage of Seattle area professional musicians whom he met and began playing with in church. In middle school and high school, Drew played the trumpet and guitar in stage band.

In 2002, at the age of 15, Drew’s life would abruptly change direction when he suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car accident. Unconscious for 2 weeks, Drew’s broken body and brain would take months of rehab to heal and due to the nature of his head injury, he had to learn to read, write and walk again. These injuries left a lasting impact on his capabilities which, from the very first day, he met head on with a tenacious drive that would result in accomplishments deemed impossible for someone with the severity of injuries Drew sustained in the accident.

Drew returned to Aberdeen High School in Aberdeen, WA and then Agua Fria High School in Avondale, AZ where his tenacity and drive would earn him a GPA which qualified for the Regents Scholarship. He attended U of A and then ASU where he graduated with a degree in mathematics.

Drew continued to play music, predominantly in church where he led worship, played in the band, and performed specials. Because of his unique and moving performance style, he was often asked to play for memorials and at special events. He would spend hours in his free time, writing, composing, and performing music. Recently, he had taught himself the play the violin to enhance his ability to compose and perform. For his family and those who love Drew, nothing has more profoundly impacted and comforted them as the legacy of his music.

Drew had a diverse work career and a bright future ahead of him when he passed. Following graduation from ASU, Drew applied, and was appointed, to teach music through AmeriCorps in rural Oregon in schools without music programs. In schools without means, Drew resorted to constructing keyboards and fretboards on the carpet in tape to teach the elementary students how to read music and play. Upon procuring instruments, his technique proved successful and amazed the onlookers and students equally.

Drew worked for Discover Card and at his passing was a Pharmacy tech at Walgreens. He had recently, under the direction and assistance of his Aunt Robin, began working toward teaching mathematics in middle school. The mentorship from his Aunt Robin gave Drew a surge of confidence which was manifest in his appearance.

It was 20 years at Drew’s passing since his brain injury. The pride and amazement of his family at what Drew was able to accomplish with his limitations is overwhelming. Every life Drew encountered was changed by his zeal, exuberance, and genuine goodness.

Drew is survived by his mother and father, Dale and Kimberly, of Warren, NJ (formerly of Litchfield Park) his sister Bethany of Phoenix, his brother Samuel of Litchfield Park, his Grandmother Aileen Hopely of Yuma, Aunt Robin and Uncle Ed of Chandler, Aunt Darlene and Uncle Mike of Ferndale, WA and many other proud and grateful family members and friends who all were blessed to know him.

Of Drew, his brother Samuel exclaimed, “Drew was the biggest Jesus fan that ever lived!” We are grateful to Drew’s savior and ours for receiving him into eternity. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” A family memorial is planned for later this year. Please pass on to another the blessings that Drew has given you.