Obituary of Richard Douglas Dryden

DRYDEN: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father and grandfather, Richard Douglas Dryden, on December 29, 2010, at the age of 89. Richard (Dick) was born April 4, 1921, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of John Cameron Dryden and Luella (Kemp) Dryden. He was raised on the family farm near Ste. Agathe and attended school in Avonlea, Ste. Agathe and Winnipeg. He studied agriculture at the University of Manitoba, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1950 and Master of Science in 1960. Richard served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II as a radar mechanic. From April 1941 to October 1945, he served in Canada, Britain, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and India and was discharged with the rank of sergeant. In 1949, he married Kathleen Marion Connolly of Winnipeg. They operated the Dryden family farm until 1956 when Richard took a position as an agronomist at the Agriculture Canada Research Centre in Brandon, doing weed control research. He and Kathleen moved their young family to Brandon and bought a new home on First Street where they resided from 1959 to 2006. At the age of 53, Richard accepted a position with Canadian International Development Agency. He and Kathleen moved to Hyderabad, India, where he served as Advisor, Dryland Crops, with a joint Canada-India agricultural project from 1974 to 1977. A further two years, 1978-80, were spent serving a similar project in Sri Lanka after which they returned to Canada to enjoy their family, retiring in 1985. Through the years, Richard's strong desire to serve others led him to get actively involved in his church and community, doing whatever he could to help many organizations and charities. In 1962, he was involved in the establishment of Trinity United Church, and acted as secretary of the Official Board during the new congregation's searches for property on which to build the church and a minister to serve the people. He continued to serve actively in the church throughout his life and at the time of his passing was a trustee of the church. He was also actively involved over the years with the Royal Canadian Legion (both Brandon and Domain branches), Wheat City Masonic Lodge, Brandon Kiwanis Club, Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, and Daly House Museum. As a Kiwanis Club member, he participated in the Terrific Kids Program at New Era School. Each year he also took part in that school's Remembrance Day services. Richard shared his love of photography and travel by giving slideshows at several personal care homes in the area and also served for many years as a volunteer at Rideau Park PCH. He became involved with the Cancer Society as a volunteer driver and support worker, giving personal comfort to many patients across Canada. In May 2006, the City of Brandon presented him with a Mayor's Volunteer Award. All his life, Richard served others quietly, without need or concern for recognition. His family was very proud to have him included amongst those honoured by Mayor Dave Burgess at City Hall. Richard was predeceased by his father John, mother Luella, sister Donna Teillet, sister-in-law Florence Adams, brothers-in-law Ed Teillet, Ken McLeod, Ray Adams, and Bill Moore. Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 61 years, Kathleen, sisters Joan McLeod and Wilma Curd, brother-in-law Peter Curd, sister-in-law Eileen Moore, daughter Linda (Al) Friesen of Brandon, daughter Brenda (Howard) Griffith of Winnipeg, son John (Betty) of Shoal Lake, son Ken (Vera) of Salmon Arm, BC, and his 10 grandchildren: Tim, Kathleen and Andrew Friesen, Natalie (Maurice) Hashie and Brian Griffith, Michael and Jennifer Dryden, and Aaron, Joel and David Dryden. Also mourning the loss of "Uncle Dick" are many nieces and nephews on both the Dryden and Connolly sides of the family, as well as several Dryden cousins. A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Church, 1515 –6th Street, Brandon on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Wayne Sanderson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9 or Trinity United Church, 1515 –6th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6B3.