In loving memory of
Douglas Edward David Drysdale
The family have chosen this music to commemorate their loved one.
It is with an extremely deep sense of loss and heavy hearts that the family of Douglas Edward David Drysdale, LCdr (Ret), 79, of Riverport, share the news of his passing at home on Friday, January 2, 2026, with his wife Beverley by his side.
Doug was born in Brampton, Ontario, the eldest son of the late Gordon David Cameron Edward and Mazie Marjorie Emily Isabel.
He leaves behind his loving wife Bev and sons Steven (Cynthia), Victoria BC and Peter in Thailand; Very proud grandfather to Jena (Mike) Chester, Port Moody, BC, Joel Drysdale, Ottawa, ON, Izzy, Edmonton AB, and Sean Drysdale, Victoria BC and his brothers, Danny(Janice), Head of Chezzetcook, Don(Bev), Owen Sound, ON, special Sister in Law Susan Calabrese (Dan) Alcoa, TN; as well as several adoring nieces and nephews.
Born March 15th Doug grew up in Brampton and graduated from Brampton High School in 1963, joining the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) that September. That saw him join a class of lifelong friends at HMCS Venture, Esquimalt BC, graduating as an Acting Sub-Lieutenant in 1965. His career saw him on many ships (HMCS’s Cape Scott, Bonaventure, Skeena, Yukon, Huron) as ATC, watch-keeper, deck officer, weapons officer, and at shore (Ottawa and Halifax) and overseas postings to HMS Dryad, UK and Norfolk, Virginia, USA as a highly valued instructor. Doug was also posted to Bahrain in during the First Gulf War (1991), and as part of the Peacekeeping contingent in Sihanoukville, Cambodia (1993) Doug finished his 33-year military career as an instructor at the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, and not one to slip easily into retirement he returned there as a civilian instructor.
In 2005 Doug, as ever striving to make the world better wherever he could, spent a year in Sri Lanka with the Canadian Red Cross as the logistics officer and coordinator, aiding local Red Cross units with their capacity building and operations. He followed this with 18 months investigating atrocities in Southern Sudan. After 3 years of contracts instructing NATO officers in Norway, he finally decided to head into retirement full time.
This wasn’t the end of Doug’s adventurous life as he an Beverly embraced cruising, combining his thirst to travel with love of the sea, as well as becoming a beloved volunteer of many hats within the Lower LaHave/Riverport community with the Lions Club and V.O.N. and anywhere else he could lend a hand.
In keeping with Doug’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a Celebration of his life at the Riverport Firehall on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. to share a toast and many stories on a life well lived when all his family can be home.
Arrangements entrusted to Personal Care Cremations and Memorial Services.
The family ask that donations be made to Smile Canada or the VON of Lunenburg County in Doug’s memory. Two charities close to his heart.
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SERVICES & GATHERINGS
Service Note
A Celebration of Doug’s life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the Riverport Fire Department from 2-4 p.m.FAVOURITE CAUSES
PHOTOS
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So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I have very fond memories of Doug coming to the store with stories , laughter and fun loving spirit. Especially at Halloween. Take care Beverly.
Sherry Knickle
Formerly Wine Kitz
I remember meeting Doug as clearly as if it was yesterday. That was 30 years ago. We first met in the Peacekeepers Lounge at the PPC, made our introductions, shared a beer or two, told our stories and never looked back. During those 30 years we worked together at the Peacekeeping Centre, spent time together with common friends in the area, and talked regularly by phone. We followed each other other’s lives and shared tales of adventures and friendships.
Doug was someone I turned to for counsel and comfort in tough times, and good cheer and laughter in the best of times. I spoke with him because I knew his words would be thoughtful, compassionate and objective, born of affection and understanding..
Doug was also rollicking good fun – when we friends got together for eats, drinks, silly hats the occasional belly-dancing.
Doug was a very special friend and a wonderfully good man whose quiet passion for peace and kindness were the touchstones of his life.
I treasure these memories, Doug will never be forgotten.
Dear Bev, Steve, Pete, and families,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. He was such a genuine, kind and funny guy. He once provided me with a letter of reference that was so extensive and humbling that I framed it. I have only the fondest memories of the time our families spent together back in the day. Sending my heartfelt condolences to you all.
With love,
Nikky
Dear Bev and Family,
We were blessed to have had Doug in our lives as a friend and neighbor. Doug loved our dog Okie, and she sure loved him back. I will always remember Doug as a strong and stoic person, with a dry sense of humor and quick wit. Despite their age difference, my husband (Ryan) and Doug became quick friends, and enjoyed hanging out, going for breakfast and working on our respective properties together. We are grateful to have those memories. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to your family on the loss of such a great person. I had the privilege of working with Doug and will always remember his kindness, integrity and the way he treated others. I am so saddened to learn of his passing Please know that Doug was truly valued and will be deeply missed by all who had the honour of knowing him. My thoughts are with you, Beverley and your family at this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
Doug will always be remembered for his kindness, humour and his willingness to help others.
He will certainly be missed, especially in the Riverport community.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bev and your family.
John and Rita Koole
Beverly, I’m so sorry to hear about Doug. I worked with him at the Warfare (School) Centre for a couple of years.
Lorna D’Orsay
I had the privilege of serving in HMCS Huron with Doug in 1977 and in 1980 Doug hosted some of us at the Royal Naval training facility in HMS Dryad where he was on staff teaching RN personnel. Doug was always a great shipmate, mentor and friend -a true professional. My condolences to his family.
Remember well when Doug and I worked at DNR for Ken Nason. We jogged every lunch hour together around the “Louis Stand Around Building” lol.Good times.The Navy lost a great individual.
Dear Beverly,
May I join your friends and family to say how sad I am to hear of Doug’s passing. He was a wonderful man, shipmate, and friend. We served together in YUKON when I was on the Squadeon Staff, and he was the redoubtable Weapons Officer. I remember mostly his terrific sense of humour, his dedication to the staff, his ship, his shipmates, and to the Navy. As we used to say…”He was one of the good guys”. He will be fondly remembered by a lot of us. Goodbye Doug.
Dear Beverly, family and friends of Doug the world over, to whom I extend my deepest condolences,
I echo Marsha Lake’s sentiments above on what a wonderful work colleague and dear friend Doug was. His sense of humour, his calm demeanour no matter the circumstances and his steady support during the many peacekeeping exercises in which we worked together made my job not only immeasurably easier but also so much more fulfilling. He believed deeply, as did Marsha and I, in what we can accomplish working together for peace.
I feel extremely privileged to have known him and to have had the opportunity to work with him on so many occasions, and to share some laughter-filled leisure time thereafter.
I treasure those memories and his smiling face.
Beverly and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Doug‘s passing. You and Doug were such an important part of our lives while we lived in Dartmouth. I will always treasure our time travelling in Southeast Asia and the rendezvous with
Colin and Doug in Bangkok. Colin always respected Doug both professionally and personally. they made quite a team while serving in Cambodia. I can only imagine what antics they are getting up to in God‘s eternal playground. Doug truly led a very full life! May you experience strength and calm in the days ahead
I am the third of 3 girls who were friends of Doug in high school. He was. Such a nice guy. I remember one day during our lunch period he said -let’s go for a walk. He told me that he just wanted to make sure I knew how to protect myself if a guy tried anything. What he told me to do has stayed with me all my life but, thankfully, I never had to use it.
I was surprised when he left home to enter the navy but not at all surprised at how well he did in that and his other careers. The 4 of us connected a few years ago and talked about once a month on Zoom. We talked about school memories as well as what we were doing now. Because of the time difference, one in BC, one in Nova Scotia and two in Ontario, finding a time to suit all was sometimes difficult but we all seemed to love our conversations.
We will miss him but will carry our memories always.
Pat Lonergan
Dear Bev and family members,
My heartfelt condolences on your great loss.
I had the pleasure to serve with Doug in Skeena back in the late sixties.Later on we would chat at the Stad gym while pretending to workout. He was an admirable person in every respect and leaves an enviable and inspirational legacy of “service to others”.
May his cherished memories be a source of comfort during this painful and difficult time.
Barry Keeler
Deepest sympathies to Bev and the family. Doug was a wonderful person and superb Naval Officer with an amazing heart and sense of humour. May he RIP. Fair winds and following seas.
Dear Bev and family,
In these days of sorrow and grief I offer my condolences and the hope that you are being comforted by how much Doug was loved.
His exuberance for life was an inspiration to his many friends and colleagues. The ease with which he encouraged camaraderie in any team setting was top drawer. He was a fine leader. He was also the very ideal of decency and kindness. That twinkle of support and reassurance was always on offer. Doug will be well remembered as a person who believed in building the peace no matter the circumstances .
Oh dear Lord this is a sad day. Doug was a wonderful friend. Such a kind individual. Loved you and the boys so much Bev. Stella and I are in shock tonight as the Navy web has passed on the news. May God be with Doug and the family.
Doug was always a kind, compassionate and understanding person with a wonderful sense of humor. I went through high school in Brampton with Doug and connected again through other classmates. He hadn’t changed over the years and was a joy to talk with. Wishing his wife and family peace. Doug will always be with you.
I
Dear Bev
I am broken hearted to read that my sweet friend Doug has passed away. He brought great joy into my life. Doug extended himself into personal situations with ease and gentle sincere kindness. My aged Mother considered him a treasured friend immediately upon first encounter. I am blessed to call Doug my friend.
Bev, Steve (Cynthia), Peter and all of the extended friends and family, our deepest sympathies go out to all who are feeling the loss of this dear man. My father, Chris Dalley, is a Venture classmate of Doug’s and through that link a life long connection between our two families was born and continues on in their next generation (us) to this day. Many found memories of spending time at their cottage, endless (what seemed to us young kids as boring) card games between our parents would bring our families together, as us “kids” were kept busy with our own antics and certainly far away from the watchful eyes of the adults. Always with a huge smile and an infectious laugh is how I will remember “Uncle” Doug. From my family to yours – Rest easy, Fair winds and Following Seas until we meet again. Sandra (Dalley) & Stefan Pinard, Lesley Kay, Christopher Dalley, Stephen & Katheleen Dalley.
‘A life well spent leaves behind a trail of beautiful memories.’ and Doug’s life was just that.
We went through five years of High school together – every class I’m sure(except Home-Ec). We reconnected about twenty
Years ago on Classmates and he was still the same kind gentle person that he was Brampton High.
RIP Dougie.
Bev and both of Doug’s boys,
Doug was one of the first to befriend me and my son, Tristan when first arriving to the Riverport area, some years ago. He continually proved his friendship over the years, and his tremendous support during difficult times never faltered. He may have been of slight stature ( a joke always well received), but he stood head and shoulders above any one I have known. He will be deeply missed by so many. My deepest sympathies to all of Doug’s family. He was truly a treasure!
With Love and Respect, Mike, Tristan, Rachel & Daniel.
My dear Beverley, I feel your hurt and pain. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and condolences. Doug truly was one of a kind, a treasured friend who was giving in every way. I am privileged to have had Doug as a friend.
As a colleague of Doug’s from his days at the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, his death leaves the world a colder place. “Blessed are the peacemakers….”
Our greatest condolences to the family . We got to meet Mr Drysdale a few times over the years . He was a good man .
To Pete and the family , he is rested now .
Keep the memories close and you will always have him near .