Rory William Draxler

Rory William Draxler, 38, of San Diego, CA passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 29, 2024.  Rory was born on December 7, 1985, in Madison WI. He lived most of his life in San Diego, CA.  He attended High Tech High and Mount Carmel High Schools. He graduated from Alldredge Academy in Davis, West Virginia in 2004.

Rory is survived by daughter Harper Draxler, San Diego, CA. Parents Paul and Paula (Strelke) Draxler, Lake Havasu City, AZ. Sister and brother-in-law Lindsay and Jonny Holochuck, nephew Nixon Draxler and nieces Lyla and Olivia Holochuck all of San Diego, CA.  All of Rory's grandparents have preceded him in death. However, he has many aunts, uncles and cousins who will miss him.  As will his friends, and those who have helped him in recovery (AA/NA) and with his mental health journey (Mental Health Systems).

Rory had a childhood full of fun and adventure. He traveled and camped with his family. He was a Boy Scout throughout elementary and high school achieving the rank of Life Scout. He tried many sports, but his favorite was recreational soccer.  Rory was highly intelligent and excelled in school.  By the time he was in middle school, he was applying his strategic thinking to his favorite hobby, Magic the Gathering, which is a collectible card game.  Rory became very skilled at Magic and competed in Championships and Pro Tours around the US and the World. He won the California State Champion title in 2009. Amazingly, Friday Night Magic is where Rory met Hannah (Clack) Liaw, his girlfriend for 3 years and the mother of his 9-year-old daughter.

Rory was a quiet, compassionate young man who gave freely of his limited resources to others.  He struggled with addiction and bi-polar disorder for 20 years. Because he was bi-polar, he was not always easy to be around, but he was easy to love. He had many sustained periods of recovery and many tough times on the streets. His family never gave up encouraging and pushing him to live a stable and healthy life. 

Rory's life will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.  13541 Stoney Creek Road, San Diego, CA 92129.  The family will host an ice cream social afterwards for all who wish to attend. 

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