WiFi HiFi is saddened to announce the passing of Andrew “Drew” Saarinen, an industry veteran who spent many years with Lenbrook Industries before pursuing his own company Peak Communications alongside his wife Denise Coughlin. Drew passed away on June 19, 2025 at the age of 53 following a brief illness.
Drew started his career with Lenbrook back in 1999, working as inside sales and tech support. After nine years in that position, he was promoted to director of sales, responsible for Motorola Solutions products for both consumer and business customers. He held that position for just over nine more years while also volunteering as Secretary Treasurer for the Canadian Electronics and Communications Association (CECA).
In October 2017, he decided to venture out on his own alongside his partner in business and life, Denise Coughlin, who also previously worked at Lenbrook Industries. Together, they started Peak Sales & Marketing Inc., a manufacturer’s representative company based in Oshawa, ON, about 45 minutes east of downtown Toronto. The company represents brands like Kenwood, Hytera, and Ritron two-way radios along with various accessories, callboxes, and repeaters.
Peak Communications, a division of Peak Sales & Marketing Inc., services the Canadian government, warehousing facilities, manufacturing industrial buildings, military, mining companies, recreational facilities, retail and hospitality, restaurants, schoolboard, stadium/sports arenas, and more.
“I had the privilege of working with Drew early in my career at Lenbrook,” notes Philippe Rayes, President and CEO of Sherpa Technology Group. “Over the years, we got to know each other and had the pleasure of collaborating professionally. What began as professional respect grew into friendship. I watched him, alongside Denise, successfully lead the company they co-founded. His sudden passing saddens me deeply and leaves me in shock. Claudia Pizzi, Managing Partner at Sherpa and the entire team join me in offering our most heartfelt condolences to Denise, his children, family, and all of those who have lost a great friend.”
You can view Drew’s obituary on the Newcastle Funeral Home website, where you can also share memories, send flowers, plant a tree, or find the link to make a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. A celebration of life will be held at Sharp Memorial Hall in St. Matthew’s Anglican Church at 135 Wilson Rd. S. in Oshawa, ON on Saturday, July 5 between 2 and 5 p.m.