In Memory of Paul

Paul Drury graduated from Ambrose a year and a half ago (Class of ’21). He was first diagnosed with cancer when he was in 7th grade and had been in and out of certain states of remission through the years. He experienced very intrusive treatments and surgeries during this time as well. The third return of the cancer brought Paul to the point where there was no real treatment option left. Though offered maintenance therapy that might keep the leukemia at bay for a time, Paul chose to let the cancer run its course.

Paul went to be with his Saviour Wednesday night, January 4th.

The martial arts were a big part of Paul’s life and it showed. He fought the disease with everything he had, and we were privileged to cheer him on from the sidelines and witness his steely determination and calm resolution. During one of Paul’s rounds of chemotherapy treatment during his senior year, a number of students and staff shaved their heads to show solidarity with Paul. You can click the image below to watch the video.

Paul leading the Grand March at Protocol in May of ’21.

In December, one of Paul’s requests was to come to Ambrose to visit with classmates and teachers. The Class of ’21 went above and beyond to be here, some in person and some online. Paul had a great time visiting with everyone. He was also able to complete trips to New Jersey to see more old friends, and to Disneyworld.

Please be praying for the Drury family during this very difficult time. We are reminded of the incredible words from Psalm 116:15 during times like this: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” And from Colossians 1:24, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.” About this mystery of our participation in the suffering of Christ, Peter Leithart has this to say, “So we too fill up the sufferings of Christ as we share His afflictions, confident that the blood we shed finally belongs to Jesus, certain that the Spirit flows from our mangled bodies as He did from Jesus and from Stephen.” Paul’s suffering was not in vain. It was working out for him an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison (II Corinthians 4:17). In that truth alone is our hope found when those that we love suffer.

Below is a recording of the Celebration of Life Event on January 14, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, the Drurys request a donation to be made to:

Ronald McDonald House- Intermountain Area
935 E South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84102-1411
https://www.rmhcslc.org/
In Honor of Paul Drury

Paul’s Obituary: https://www.horsleyfuneralhome.com/obituary/paul-drury

See you soon, Paul.