In Memoriam: Douglas Drysdale
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of a beloved Forestry Alum, Douglas Drysdale, of Drysdale’s Tree Farms.
During the 1950s, Doug completed his Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BScF) and Master of Science in Forestry (MScF) with the Faculty of Forestry. While studying at the University of Toronto, he spent his summers working for the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests, which later became the Ministry of Natural Resources. After completing his master’s degree, he joined the department full-time in 1957. Throughout his career, he held various senior positions in forestry economics, research, and planning, and frequently advised elected officials on forestry economics and sustainable practices. By the time 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.
In 1945 as a teenager, Doug assisted his father in launching a new Christmas tree operation and while a first-year student at U of T, assisted in expanding the business by purchasing 117 additional acres of land near Ballantrae. Drysdale Tree Farms were among the pioneers in offering ‘cut your own’ Christmas trees. Over the years, the company has expanded to include landscaping services, a Christmas store, sleigh rides, and various other festive activities. The farm has won numerous awards over the decades, and their trees are often chosen for such prestigious venues as the Ontario Legislature and Governor General’s residence in Ottawa.
Doug himself has also been awarded 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. He has also received the U of T Arbor Award which recognizes those volunteers who, “through their exemplary generosity, make sustained and valuable contributions to the experience of U of T students, faculty members, staff and alumni.”
He was always generous in providing alumni support, both in terms of financial donations and experience for forestry students. A respected teacher and mentor, Doug lectured at both the University of Toronto and the University of Guelph and was always helping support professional forestry for our students and open to working with faculty.
He will be greatly missed.
