Andrew T. Cameron, 44, died July 16 of an accidental drug overdose. Andrew suffered with chronic depression much of his life which contributed to his use of substances and his passing in the prime of his life. The two disorders of depression and addiction should not be terminal, yet they prove fatal for far too many.

To know Andrew was to love him. He was a shy, kind, generous, and a compassionate man. Andrew was well-read and could converse on almost any topic. He was a huge Game of Thrones fan and read all George R.R. Martin GOT books. Nature and the woods called to him. He found immense joy in hiking, hunting, and fishing, especially alongside his late uncle Donn A. Boulanger, who was like a father to Andrew. Andrew also possessed a deep appreciation for art and history, never visiting a museum he did not like. He was enthralled by the medieval armor exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and cherished his visit to The Clark Art Institute with his mom to view paintings by Edvard Munch. In a different cultural experience, Andrew couldn’t stop talking about the spellbinding performance of Jeff Daniels as Atticus Finch in Aaron Sorkin’s Broadway adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. When the travel bug hit him, it pointed north to Canada. He toured Quebec City, Montreal and the Canadian Maritimes, falling in love with the Bay of Fundy.

Andrew’s sudden and unexpected passing leaves many with overwhelming grief. They include mother Judith Boucher Cameron, brother, Adam Cameron, Adam’s partner Sarah Chase, their daughter, Jane, co-workers, cousins and friends.

Andrew was born Jan. 13, 1982, in Toronto, Ontario and moved to Massachusetts at the age of six. Northampton was his home for most of his life. He graduated in 2010 from the Commonwealth Honors College, University of Massachusetts Amherst, with a degree in biochemistry. His UMass education nurtured his intellectual curiosity and provided a strong foundation for jobs in the cannabis industry.

Five years ago, Andrew landed his dream job at Wemelco Industries, a start-up cannabis manufacturing company in Easthampton. He built the extraction lab and later helped develop an extraction room to meet growing demand and workforce. Andrew’s scientific mind and engineering instincts were key in implementing new gummy and flower packaging production lines. Andrew also had good business sense as he found ways to improve efficiency and the quality of products and manufacturing processes while reducing costs.

He was much more than the company’s head chemist. He was the person everyone turned to whatever the problem. His calm, methodical approach, quick intelligence and unwavering willingness to help made him an invaluable leader and trusted resource. His contributions leave behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.

A Celebration of Andrew will be held July 31 from 4-6 p.m. at the Ahearn Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Road, Northampton. A reception will follow from 6-8 p.m. at the Florence Civic Center, 90 Park St., Florence. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Andrew’s name be made to the Massachusetts Audubon Society MassAudubon.org.