In Memory

Drew Goates

Lesley Drew Goates, 59, died quietly in his sleep on June 28, 2011. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 25, 1952, to L. Brent and Helen L. Goates, the third of their six children. Drew attended East High School, where he played football and shared his musical talents in many enjoyable experiences with all his friends. In the first game of his senior year he suffered a severe neck injury that left him in lifelong pain. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Australia East Mission. When he returned he married Jane Stephenson in the Salt Lake Temple. They had four children, Christopher, Julie, Katie and Ryan. He was later divorced, however Drew remained a loving father to his family throughout his life. Drew's life was filled with much sorrow, but he pressed on and enjoyed many happy times surrounded by those who loved him. His degree of difficulty in his mortal experience became even more extraordinary when he contracted multiple sclerosis later in life. In the pain he endured he seized the opportunity to live in courage and love. In recent years he often expressed the need to help others avoid the suffering he experienced throughout his life. Perhaps now he can realize that dream.



 
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11/25/11 09:44 PM #1    

Jay Mower

This photograph accompanied Drew's obituary.  I thought people would enjoy seeing it. 

GoatesDrew


10/28/14 12:09 PM #2    

Scott F Wood

It has been about 2 and a half years now since Drew passed.  I will forever regret that I did not stay in closer contact with him.  We were close friends in high school, during and after our missions.  I knew of Drew's many struggles physically and emotionally.  Yet he always remained to me one who cared.  The day before he passed I was going to get in touch with him to get some information about his grand father, Harold B. Lee for a presentation I was giving.  Unfortunately I was able to get the information from another source and did not take the opportunity  to talk to Drew.  I have often wondered if we would have talked if it would have a difference in his life.  President Thomas S. Monson showed up and talked at Drew's funeral.  He was not on the program, just thought it right to be there.  He reminded all of us there to make sure we stay in touch with people who may be struggling in life and not to pospone those opportunities.  He must of known I was there.


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