Obituary of Alistair James Drysdale

1917 - 2011

March 23rd, 2011, in his 94th year and after a life of good health and great humour, Alistair James Drysdale passed away in Cranbrook, BC, with his daughters by his side.

Born in Neepawa, Manitoba on April 16th, 1917, Alistair moved to Vancouver, BC, in 1928 and graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1941. His career as a geologist took him to Kimberley, BC; Bolivia; Calgary, AB; and Denver, CO. Along with his wife, Pamela Staples, he spent many years running the S Half Diamond Dude Ranch and since 1972 has called Premier Lake his home.

Alistair was deeply involved with the Royal Arch Masonry, the cornerstone of his later years. He was a life-long golfer and a member of the Kimberley Golf Club, playing right through the summer of 2010. He loved culture, especially music; he was a great dancer and a snappy dresser. He was known to all as a man of honour, loyalty and wonderful humour, and maintained a wide circle of friendships around the world till the day he died (all without Facebook!)

Alistair is survived by daughters Karen (John Campbell) and Alyson (Frank Simms), grandsons Alan, John, Mac, Cameron and Tyler, great grandchildren Tuyen, Liam and Hazel, sister Norma Green, nieces Sharon and Heather, and nephews Craig and Warren. He was predeceased by his son, Chester and wife, Pamela.

A Celebration of Alistair's Life will be held on Thursday, March 31st, at 2:00 PM at McPherson's Funeral Chapel in Kimberley, BC. In lieu of flowers, donation in his name to the: Masonic Community Charities Fund for the Cancer Car Project, 1495 - W. 8th Ave., Vancouver, BC, V6H 1C9 or the: Nature Conservancy Canada, 825 - Broughton Street, Suite 200, Victoria, BC, V8W 1E5 would be appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com