Douglas Paul DRYSDALE

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Douglas Paul Drysdale on June 11, 2025, at the age of 72. As a devoted husband and father, loyal and generous friend, and accomplished forester, farmer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Doug leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, success, and inspiration. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Joan, who passed away in 2020. Beloved father to their three children, Doug, Donna (late Pat Crowley), and Diane (Dave Anderson). Doug was exceedingly proud of his grandchildren: Jack (Heather Woods) and Kathleen (Elliott Blackmore) Crowley; Serena, DJ (Tamika Marks-Grant) and Andrew Drysdale; William, Marnie, and James Anderson; and his great-grandchildren, Nora, Isaiah, Evelyn, Amari, and Patrick. He also cherished his relationship with his sister, Ruth (Drysdale) Rohacek, and his eldest niece, Kathryn (Clifton) Henrich. Born in Toronto, Doug married Joan, his high school sweetheart, on Valentine's Day in 1953, while completing undergraduate and graduate studies in Forestry at the University of Toronto. They raised their family in Don Mills and relocated to live full time at their family home on Drysdale Tree Farms just outside of Barrie in 1980. Doug was an innovative and highly respected forester who frequently spoke at provincial, national, and international conferences. He advised elected officials on forestry economics and held various senior roles in forestry economics, research, and planning. He was managing the province's Forest Research Organization when he retired from the Ministry of Natural Resources in 1989. Funeral arrangements will be held at Paul F. Kent Funeral Home Ltd in Cookstown.