06/17/2025
Douglas Paul Drysdale
October 5, 1932 ~ June 11, 2025
It is with great sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce the peaceful passing of Douglas Paul Drysdale on June 11, 2025.
As a loving 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 that continues to enrich the lives of all those who knew him.
Devoted husband and partner to Joan, his loving wife of 67 years who predeceased him 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 and raised 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. While studying at U of T, he spent his summers working for the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests (later the Ministry of Natural Resources). He joined the department full time in 1957 upon completion of his master’s degree in Forest Economics. He held a variety of senior roles in forestry economics, research, and planning. He frequently advised elected officials on forestry economics and sustainable forestry practices. When he retired from the MNR in 1989, he was managing the province’s Forest Research Organization and serving as General Manager of the Ontario Tree Improvement and Forest Biomass Institute in Maple, Ontario.
Doug was also a valued teacher and mentor, lecturing at both the University of Toronto and the University of Guelph while volunteering with a variety of professional associations.
Doug’s passion for trees was sparked by his father, a school teacher, who in 1926 began to plant trees on a property he owned in Flos Twp. and later on their Cookstown farm. In 1945, a young teenager, Doug helped his father Reg launch a fledgeling Christmas tree operation. In 1951, while a first-year student at the U of T, Doug persuaded his father to expand the business by purchasing 117 additional acres of land near Ballantrae.
While pursuing a successful career, Doug built the business into a thriving enterprise — Drysdale Tree Farms, a pioneering Christmas-tree business that distributed trees to retailers across North America, and was one of the first in Canada to offer families a “cut-your-own” experience.
The family business grew and evolved over the years to include landscaping, a Christmas store, sleigh rides and other Christmas, Easter and Halloween activities, as well as a wedding and event venue. Doug’s children all worked on the farm and contributed to its success. Today, the business is operated by his son, Doug.
Drysdale’s Tree Farms has won numerous awards over the years and had their trees chosen for high-profile venues, such as the Governor General’s residence in Ottawa and the Ontario Legislature.
Doug himself won many awards for his forestry work, including the Ontario Professional Foresters Associations’ Honoured Professional Award, and the Canadian Institute of Forestry’s Tree of Life Award in recognition of his lifetime contribution to sustainable forest management.
Throughout his life and career, family was Doug’s abiding passion and top priority. Whether it was enjoying family dinners and celebrations, or improving the cut-your-own-tree experience for customers, family was always front and centre.
Despite his many career and professional accomplishments, Doug was most comfortable on his farm, dressed in well-worn work clothes and chatting amiably with families warming themselves by the fire after cutting down their Christmas tree.
“We’re in the memory-making business,” he often said.
Although they worked hard their whole lives, Doug and Joan were always humble and grateful for their many successes and good fortune. Both were very active in the community and believed strongly in giving back and helping others, whether it was by donating 136 acres to the York Regional Forest, or volunteering with the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation, or supporting a variety of charities and causes.
The family wish to thank their many friends and relatives for the kindness and support that they have provided. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Dr. Ann Gannon and the entire staff at Tiffin House retirement residence in Midland, Ontario.
Doug will be dearly missed by extended family and friends. Immediate family will gather for a private interment at Coulson’s Hill. A celebration of life in honour of Joan and Doug will be held on Wednesday, July 9th at 2 pm at Drysdale’s Tree Farm. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation via cash, cheque or online at www.stjohnspresbyterian.ca. Scroll down on the homepage to ‘donate now'. Then, please send an email to admin_assistant@bellnet.ca with the donation confirmation to ensure that the funds will be directed toward the perpetual care of the Coulson Hill Church and Cemetery.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas Paul Drysdale, please visit our website.
