Andrew Clay Gaskin Obituary
Andrew "Drew" Gaskin passed away unexpectedly in his home on May 13, 2021. His heart that was the biggest, most loving of anyone on earth, gave out on him. Andrew was born to Ronald Gaskin and Carol (Willis) Gaskin on August 8, 1972. He is survived by the love of his life, best-friend and wife, Tracy. His proudest accomplishment was his daughter, Lila, who was the other love of his life.
He was an amazing stepdad to McKenna and Abby Fell, and Olivia and Rowan Reynolds. Additionally, he is survived by his mother, Carol Gaskin of Jacksonville, FL and his grandmother, Muriel Willis of TX. Also survived by his loving sisters Michelle Rawlings of Frisco, TX and sister Caroline Parra (Jose) of Jacksonville, FL and brother-in-law Todd Fox (Stephanie) of Holmen, WI. And a slew of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews that he loved immensely.
He is now with his dad Ronald Gaskin, his granddaddy, James Willis and father-in-law, Larry Fox in heaven. Andrew was a Sergeant First Class with the 88th Readiness Division Mission Command Support Group. He started his military career right out high school at the New Mexico Military Institute and then transferred to the University of Hawaii where he received his bachelor's degree in Geography.
Andrew reenlisted in the Army after 9/11 and served a tour in Iraq and then served a year and a half in Afghanistan as a defense contractor. He was proud of being a soldier and loved all of his brothers in arms throughout the years. Andrew was a GIS Specialist for the defense contractor, Versar at Fort McCoy. His love of recreational maps and his business Map the Experience was his TRUE passion.
His legacy is the volunteer work he did for the City of La Crosse Recreation Department, the maps that you see at all of the recreational hiking and biking trails is Andrew's beautiful creation. If he was here, he would tell you to download the app. Although his life was cut short, Andrew did not live an average life. Just two weeks ago, he told Tracy that he didn't have a bucket list.
He said, "I have had the most wonderful life. I have served my country, I have traveled the world, I have lived in the most beautiful places on earth, I have surfed in Hawaii, jumped out of airplanes, formed friendships of a lifetime, married the love of my life, and I have the most incredible child and stepkids, I have a great house and a boat.
If I died tomorrow, I would die a happy man. There is nothing more I need or want in life.". To say Drew will be missed is an understatement, but we all know our lives were better because he loved us. Visitation will begin on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 10am until the full military honors funeral service at 11am at The Gathering Place/Coulee Cremation 133 Mason St. Onalaska, WI.
