Drysdale Tree Farms community mourns loss of Doug Drysdale

The Drysdale Tree Farms community is mourning the loss of Doug Drysdale, who passed away peacefully on June 11 at the age of 92.

Drysdale was a family man, and an accomplished forester, farmer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.

Born and raised in Toronto, Doug married his high school sweetheart in 1953 and raised his family in the Don Mills area before moving to live at their family home, on Drysdale Tree farm located just outside of Barrie in 1980.

His son, also named Doug Drysdale, said his father will leave a legacy on not only the business but the forestry industry.

“The legacy that he brought to our family personally and to many other families and the legacy of the trees that were planted over his lifetime,” said his son. “He was planting trees for 80 years. So that was pretty, pretty good.”

According to the obituary, Drysdale’s passion for trees was taught from his dad, who planted on the family home when he was a small boy. Drysdale then helped his dad launch the Christmas tree business in 1951. While pursuing a sperate career, Drysdale built Drysdale Tree Farms into a successful business. His company distributed trees throughout North America.

Essa Township Mayor Sandie MacDonald said Drysdale loved to make memories and put his family first. “When we look at Doug, all of us as a community, we think family, a big heart, and I think his biggest legacy will be the dream that he always had for his family to have family time and make memories.”

Drysdale often advised elected officials on forestry economic and spoke frequently at conferences at all levels. He was also a teacher and mentor, lecturing at University of Toronto and University of Guelph. Macdonald added that when Drysdale talked, he caught the attention of everyone around him.

“I think that when people look back with his smile and he was he was amazing. He was a mentor. He was a lecturer for the university students.

Drysdale Tree Farms was one of the first businesses to offer ‘cut your own’ Christmas trees. The company grew over the years into a landscaping, a Christmas store with sleigh rides, and other festive activities over the years.

According to his family, Drysdale’s passion and top priorities was his loved ones. “At the farm, there’s a area walking area down to the, the kissing bridge called memory lane, and he was very up on family. He wanted, families. The legacy of people coming,” his son added.

A public celebration of life will be held on July 9 at Drysdale Tree Farm to honour Joan and Doug Drysdale.