Drew Banker. (Courtesy photo)
Drew Banker, of Boston, and formerly of Harvard, died as the sun set on Dec. 10, 2025, at 31 years old, after a long journey with cancer.
Drew was, first and foremost, a teacher. The wisdom and grace with which he navigated the circumstances of his life have forever changed those privileged enough to have been beside him through his journey. He was many things: a Buddhist practitioner, a talented classical guitarist, a philosopher, a blogger, a juggler, a runner and tennis player, and an avid reader and writer.
He was the beloved husband of River Houston, son of Nancy and Peter Banker, brother of Chavi, Diana, and Matty Banker, and best friend of Kevin Sun. He was also the treasured son of Mary-Jo and Bob Houston, and brother of Becky, Robert, Ryan, Joe, and Allison Houston.
Drew impressed those who knew him, whether briefly or over many years, with the quality of his presence, his fierce intelligence, and his integrity and commitment to his art and spiritual practice. He was treasured by all for his gentleness and warmth and for the kind interest he took in others. Drew had the courage to take beautiful things seriously and the strength not to be cynical, but to believe that the wonderful is just as profoundly true, as philosophically serious, as the painful and ugly. Through his living and dying, he showed that real healing and peace are possible if we have the courage to actually believe in them, not as sentimentalities, but as living truths.
His last words to his wife were, “I’m not going anywhere.” Sure enough, they were not his last words at all. He continues to teach and grow in too many ways to track. But those who love him, still and always, honor him by following what we can.