Andrew “Drew” Nicholas Thompson

Born June 14, 1994, to Desiree Caldwell and Nicholas Thompson, Andrew grew up in Billings until age 7 and attended Broadwater and Washington Elementary Schools, before moving to Santa Ana, California, where he continued to grow. During his years in California, he attended Fairhaven Elementary, Portola Middle School and Orange High School, then moving back to Billings and graduating from Senior High in 2012. From his first day at Fairhaven Elementary, he developed a forever brotherly bond with his four best friends: Diego “Big D” Rodrigues, Patrick Calix, Fernando Alvarez and Elmer Camargo. On the last day of eighth grade, 2007-2008, Andrew was presented with the Presidential Award for Achievement for Outstanding Excellence, along with a letter from President George W. Bush. From age 7 until his passing, he was a diehard Kobe Bryant and Los Angeles Lakers fan. Andrew always loved it when his great-grandparents, Roman “Ray” and Rosie, came to visit him in California because he knew they were headed straight to the La Mirada swap meet to listen to the live Mexican music! Andrew loved shopping and chillin’ with his homies at The Block at Orange Mall, the ocean, Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm.

During his high school years, he worked for Dos Machos restaurant, then went on to get his chef coat with Olive Garden over the course of nine years and, once leaving Olive Garden, he pursued a career in “Dad Patrol,” staying home with his four children.

“The love I received by Andrew Thompson was something only people could dream of. It was rare and effortless, a love I’ll only find once in this lifetime. Everyone hears those stories of the high school sweethearts who lived a full life together, raised successful children and passed away only minutes apart holding hands in their assisted living homes; that was supposed to be us.

“2011 I met the love of my life at a high school party. Andrew stood tall with his handsome jawline and cheesy grin; and at just 16 years old I knew I had found my ‘home.’ Meeting at each other’s lockers and skipping class to be together, quickly turned our puppy love full grown. Falling deeply, madly and truly in love; we remained inseparable ever since. I have been fortunate enough to have held his big hot hands, to have received his great big bear hugs and to be genuinely loved by him for 10 whole years.

“We knew we would be parents our children could be proud of and made a little pack of Thompson’s for ourselves to love throughout the years together. His eyes gleamed with pride for our babies. He was the best daddy I’ve ever encountered; so dedicated and loyal to them. He didn’t miss a single milestone or achievement; always on dad patrol. Losing him is a tremendous loss to us and to anyone who had the opportunity to have known him.”

He is survived by his wife, Alayna; three sons, Zayden, Zyllas, Zekeil; one daughter, Zemira; his mother, Desiree Caldwell; stepfather Ron Ervin; brothers Gerald, LaRon and Eli; grandparents Virginia Nava (Terry), his papa Frank Thomas, Grandma Rita Romero; his aunt, Leslie Schnase (Nate), Danielle “Nellie” Gonzalez Becerra; his “brother/cousins,” Roman Quintana and Logan Caldwell, and Jose “Pino” Corchado; his “sister/cousin” Morgan (Malachi) Riggs; cousin Ben; Godparents Frank and Ticha Maciel; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends who quickly became his family.

Services will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave.

An account will be set up at Western Security for the family.

Prayer to St. Christopher

“Do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10