Lieutenant-Colonel Dean B. Drysdale CD

Dec. 30, 1963 - Aug. 11, 2019
Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret'd) Dean Drysdale CD RCA, MBA, Ph.D., CGA-CPA Dean passed away at his home, surrounded by loving family and close friends. He died as he lived, courageously. Dean was a soldier, a professor, an elected official, an aspiring parliamentarian, and a successful venture capitalist.
Dean served proudly in the Canadian Army Reserves, being commissioned as an artillery officer at the remarkable age of 17. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and commanding officer of his Vancouver regiment - the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA. Dean was a lifelong learner. He applied to Douglas College at age 16 as a 'mature student,' earned a BA from Bishop's University in Quebec at age 20, an MBA from the European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD) in Paris, a PhD from Cass Business School at the City University of London, UK., and CGA-CPA and FCCA designations. Dean taught business at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for 25 years. Dean was a visionary and successful entrepreneur.
He attributed his biggest success to picking business partners he said were smarter than himself, building a number of successful businesses including Carmanah Technologies, BackCheck, and CubicFarm Systems. He considered himself lucky to work with many talented and dedicated people. Dean was a lifelong activist in the Conservative Party of Canada, joining at age 12, serving on the national youth executive from age 16, then at age 20 in the Prime Minister's Office, under Brian Mulroney.
In Langley he was elected twice to township council and ran twice for Parliament. Dean was awarded the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Canadian Forces Decoration with two bars.
Dean leaves behind two daughters, France-Victoria and Lutece-Britany, whom he loved with all his heart. He is survived by mother Sharron and sister Shelley. He hoped to see his father Tom again on the other side. He leaves behind many friends. A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on 2019-09-14 at Langley Event Centre , 7888 200th Street, Langley, BC.
Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret'd) Dean Drysdale CD RCA, MBA, Ph.D., CGA-CPA Dean passed away at his home, surrounded by loving family and close friends. He died as he lived, courageously. Dean was a soldier, a professor, an elected official, an aspiring parliamentarian, and a successful venture capitalist.
Dean served proudly in the Canadian Army Reserves, being commissioned as an artillery officer at the remarkable age of 17. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and commanding officer of his Vancouver regiment - the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA. Dean was a lifelong learner. He applied to Douglas College at age 16 as a 'mature student,' earned a BA from Bishop's University in Quebec at age 20, an MBA from the European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD) in Paris, a PhD from Cass Business School at the City University of London, UK., and CGA-CPA and FCCA designations. Dean taught business at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for 25 years. Dean was a visionary and successful entrepreneur.
He attributed his biggest success to picking business partners he said were smarter than himself, building a number of successful businesses including Carmanah Technologies, BackCheck, and CubicFarm Systems. He considered himself lucky to work with many talented and dedicated people. Dean was a lifelong activist in the Conservative Party of Canada, joining at age 12, serving on the national youth executive from age 16, then at age 20 in the Prime Minister's Office, under Brian Mulroney.
In Langley he was elected twice to township council and ran twice for Parliament. Dean was awarded the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Canadian Forces Decoration with two bars.
Dean leaves behind two daughters, France-Victoria and Lutece-Britany, whom he loved with all his heart. He is survived by mother Sharron and sister Shelley. He hoped to see his father Tom again on the other side. He leaves behind many friends. A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on 2019-09-14 at Langley Event Centre , 7888 200th Street, Langley, BC.
Lieutenant-Colonel Dean Drysdale joined the 15th Field Artillery Regiment in 1981 as an Officer Cadet. His adventurous spirit saw him moving across the country on numerous occasions and he can claim membership in Les Fusiliers de Sherbrooke, Le Regiment de Hull, 30th Field Artillery Regiment RCA and 20th Field Artillery Regiment RCA.
Dean was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA in 2001. Post command he served as a Regional Liaison Officer with the Canadian Forces Liaison Council from 2010 to 2015.
Dean lost his battle against ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrigs disease. It is a motor neuron disease that gradually paralyzes people as the brain becomes unable to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will.
Vancouver Artillery Association has put together this page as a means to pass along any messages you would like to share with the Gunner community. Please send them to [email protected] and we will post them as quickly as possible.
Ubique
Dean was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA in 2001. Post command he served as a Regional Liaison Officer with the Canadian Forces Liaison Council from 2010 to 2015.
Dean lost his battle against ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrigs disease. It is a motor neuron disease that gradually paralyzes people as the brain becomes unable to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will.
Vancouver Artillery Association has put together this page as a means to pass along any messages you would like to share with the Gunner community. Please send them to [email protected] and we will post them as quickly as possible.
Ubique
Dear Dean,
I was saddened to learn of your illness from Leon Jensen.
I am also indebted to Leon for making it possible for me to convey a few words of solidarity and gratitude on behalf of your comrades across The Royal Regiment.
My what an accomplished life you have led!
I always appreciate a glimpse into the civil lives of the members of the reserve component of our Regiment.
Typically, I am reminded of the adage, “Twice the Citizen” – as I most certainly am in your case.
Outstanding academic achievement at one of the world’s most renowned business schools in what I know to be the most exacting of the business disciplines – finance - and a professional career devoted to the application of your knowledge and wisdom to the economic progress of the nation ….
Exceptional service to your community as a councillor, and a candidate, twice, for Parliament and all that implies in terms of commitment of time and energy …
Any finally, devotion to your Queen and Country as a Soldier and what’s more, a Gunner!
I believe it was Samuel Johnson who said, “Every man thinks meanly of himself for not having been a soldier, or not having been at sea.”
Well Dean, you have been a soldier and a very good one at that – facts of which you must be rightly proud.
The comments on the Vancouver Gunners website attest to the difference you have made in the lives of so many with whom you soldiered.
And to have done so as a Commanding Officer with all that that entails – this should be a source of great satisfaction.
“A regiment is more than a mere organization; it is in truth a family, with its ancestors and descendants, its pride and its possessions, and through all its vicissitudes, a strong sense of community and continuity”, avowed Field Marshal Earl Wavell.
I agree and offer heartfelt appreciation for all that you have done down the years to ensure that our Regiment remains worthy of that description.
Remember, you will forever be one of us.
UBIQUE!
Jim
Brigadier-General (Ret’d) | Brigadier-général (ret) J.J. Selbie, OMM, CD
Colonel Commandant | Colonel commandant
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery | Le Régiment royal de l’Artillerie canadienne
I was saddened to learn of your illness from Leon Jensen.
I am also indebted to Leon for making it possible for me to convey a few words of solidarity and gratitude on behalf of your comrades across The Royal Regiment.
My what an accomplished life you have led!
I always appreciate a glimpse into the civil lives of the members of the reserve component of our Regiment.
Typically, I am reminded of the adage, “Twice the Citizen” – as I most certainly am in your case.
Outstanding academic achievement at one of the world’s most renowned business schools in what I know to be the most exacting of the business disciplines – finance - and a professional career devoted to the application of your knowledge and wisdom to the economic progress of the nation ….
Exceptional service to your community as a councillor, and a candidate, twice, for Parliament and all that implies in terms of commitment of time and energy …
Any finally, devotion to your Queen and Country as a Soldier and what’s more, a Gunner!
I believe it was Samuel Johnson who said, “Every man thinks meanly of himself for not having been a soldier, or not having been at sea.”
Well Dean, you have been a soldier and a very good one at that – facts of which you must be rightly proud.
The comments on the Vancouver Gunners website attest to the difference you have made in the lives of so many with whom you soldiered.
And to have done so as a Commanding Officer with all that that entails – this should be a source of great satisfaction.
“A regiment is more than a mere organization; it is in truth a family, with its ancestors and descendants, its pride and its possessions, and through all its vicissitudes, a strong sense of community and continuity”, avowed Field Marshal Earl Wavell.
I agree and offer heartfelt appreciation for all that you have done down the years to ensure that our Regiment remains worthy of that description.
Remember, you will forever be one of us.
UBIQUE!
Jim
Brigadier-General (Ret’d) | Brigadier-général (ret) J.J. Selbie, OMM, CD
Colonel Commandant | Colonel commandant
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery | Le Régiment royal de l’Artillerie canadienne
Dear Dean,
You and I go all the way back to 1981, when I swore you in as a young Officer Cadet. Bright eyed and bushy tailed you were, eager to get on with training. When I was the CO, you were serving back East in the Prime Ministers office getting experience that would help you later in life. Our paths crossed a few times since then and I enjoyed following your career as a City Councellor and an aspiring MP.
As you leave us far too soon, I will miss your company at the various get togethers in the Armoury.
Ubique, End of Mission, Stand Easy.
John
LCol J.A.Jessop CD
You and I go all the way back to 1981, when I swore you in as a young Officer Cadet. Bright eyed and bushy tailed you were, eager to get on with training. When I was the CO, you were serving back East in the Prime Ministers office getting experience that would help you later in life. Our paths crossed a few times since then and I enjoyed following your career as a City Councellor and an aspiring MP.
As you leave us far too soon, I will miss your company at the various get togethers in the Armoury.
Ubique, End of Mission, Stand Easy.
John
LCol J.A.Jessop CD
Sir,
Many memories are accrued with long service - one of the most notable for me was my first day back from tour and seeing all the new faces for a new battery. that had stood up in our absence. It made for a good homecoming and pointed to a bright future for the unit and its people. And credit where credit is due for that. It was both an honour and a pleasure to serve as your Tn NCO. ( sorry I couldn't make that long drive to Ft Lewis in that LSVW more comfortable! )
Sgt ( ret'd ) A.S. Gee CD
Many memories are accrued with long service - one of the most notable for me was my first day back from tour and seeing all the new faces for a new battery. that had stood up in our absence. It made for a good homecoming and pointed to a bright future for the unit and its people. And credit where credit is due for that. It was both an honour and a pleasure to serve as your Tn NCO. ( sorry I couldn't make that long drive to Ft Lewis in that LSVW more comfortable! )
Sgt ( ret'd ) A.S. Gee CD
My life is better because he was a part of it.
How incredibly unfair.
I hope he finds great peace.
I will miss him.
Julia Cornester
How incredibly unfair.
I hope he finds great peace.
I will miss him.
Julia Cornester
I am shocked and saddened to hear of this. I will always cherish our time working and most importantly, having our ritual coffee and snacks before parade.
Dean, you will always have my respect and admiration.
May god bless you, god speed my friend.
George Lenis
Dean, you will always have my respect and admiration.
May god bless you, god speed my friend.
George Lenis
Dean,
It was an honour and a privilege to serve under your command in 15th Field Artillery Regiment. You taught me the importance of recruiting and how to ignore the SIP! I will miss your leadership, comradeship and sense of humour.
UBIQUE!
Brent
It was an honour and a privilege to serve under your command in 15th Field Artillery Regiment. You taught me the importance of recruiting and how to ignore the SIP! I will miss your leadership, comradeship and sense of humour.
UBIQUE!
Brent
Dear Dean
I should start by thanking you for showing me there is more to running a battery than considering flash cover when placing gun markers.
Along the way I appreciated those political conversations, over nights at the mess, your can-do attitude, your sense of humour and your leadership. Also how you raised a entire battery almost from scratch by hustle and thinking outside the box, and the many young Canadians you helped get their start in life by recruiting them into 15 Fd Regt.
I'll always remember how your planning and training as the BC enabled us to win the National Battery Competition.
Ubique,
Grayson McCready
I should start by thanking you for showing me there is more to running a battery than considering flash cover when placing gun markers.
Along the way I appreciated those political conversations, over nights at the mess, your can-do attitude, your sense of humour and your leadership. Also how you raised a entire battery almost from scratch by hustle and thinking outside the box, and the many young Canadians you helped get their start in life by recruiting them into 15 Fd Regt.
I'll always remember how your planning and training as the BC enabled us to win the National Battery Competition.
Ubique,
Grayson McCready
Sir,
Many years ago you saw something in me that I did not even see myself and you persisted in asking me to take my commission as an officer. That small step fundamentally changed how I though about career, and has set me up for great things in the military and civilian worlds. Some of these things are still in-the-works, and I am immensely saddened that I won't be able to share the news with you. Please know that your small action set me on a path of influence, leadership, and opportunity - this is something I intend to pass on to future generations. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Conway Hui
Many years ago you saw something in me that I did not even see myself and you persisted in asking me to take my commission as an officer. That small step fundamentally changed how I though about career, and has set me up for great things in the military and civilian worlds. Some of these things are still in-the-works, and I am immensely saddened that I won't be able to share the news with you. Please know that your small action set me on a path of influence, leadership, and opportunity - this is something I intend to pass on to future generations. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Conway Hui
Hey Dean
There are no words that I can possibly say to make your journey lighter. You’ve been dealt a bad hand that you certainly didn’t deserve. Of course we’ll all be joining you on that journey in the not too distant future, some sooner than others, and will no doubt see you on the other side.
You made your mark on the Regiment as the Commanding Officer and as the Valley Battery Commander. There are many, many Canadians that will remember you as the guy that brought them into the Army and gave them an opportunity to serve their country. Thank you for doing what you did and doing it in spite of the system pushing against you.
Good Shooting Dean, End of Mission, Rest Easy…
Leon Jensen, CO 1998-2001
There are no words that I can possibly say to make your journey lighter. You’ve been dealt a bad hand that you certainly didn’t deserve. Of course we’ll all be joining you on that journey in the not too distant future, some sooner than others, and will no doubt see you on the other side.
You made your mark on the Regiment as the Commanding Officer and as the Valley Battery Commander. There are many, many Canadians that will remember you as the guy that brought them into the Army and gave them an opportunity to serve their country. Thank you for doing what you did and doing it in spite of the system pushing against you.
Good Shooting Dean, End of Mission, Rest Easy…
Leon Jensen, CO 1998-2001
Sir, I was saddened to hear the news of your illness.
I have great memories of being a young Master Bombardier just off his Detachment Commander course. I remember you convincing me to leave city battery and head out to Aldergrove to support you with the development and training of all the new gunners in 68 Battery as the battery needed NCO's. Training those eager, young gunners was always rewarding.
I remember the meetings we had with Sgt George Dempsey and MWO Jim Ingram as part of your command group when you were the BC.
Your hard work and your vision was always admirable working within the constraints and challenges of the system we were in. You constantly challenged us and the system as a Battery Commander and eventually a Commanding Officer. I respected that quality as well about you.
I thank you for your leadership, friendship and service sir.
Respectfully
Rob Wishnicki
Captain
BK 31 Battery
I have great memories of being a young Master Bombardier just off his Detachment Commander course. I remember you convincing me to leave city battery and head out to Aldergrove to support you with the development and training of all the new gunners in 68 Battery as the battery needed NCO's. Training those eager, young gunners was always rewarding.
I remember the meetings we had with Sgt George Dempsey and MWO Jim Ingram as part of your command group when you were the BC.
Your hard work and your vision was always admirable working within the constraints and challenges of the system we were in. You constantly challenged us and the system as a Battery Commander and eventually a Commanding Officer. I respected that quality as well about you.
I thank you for your leadership, friendship and service sir.
Respectfully
Rob Wishnicki
Captain
BK 31 Battery
It's funny, my life would have been very different without the military, and it's unlikely I would have joined if there's hadn't been a booth setup in a local movie theater to recruit for Dean Drysdale's artillery battery.
Isaak Skuce
Isaak Skuce
What a bloody shame. He always had a vision.
Brian Holt
Brian Holt
That's dreadful, like you Isaak, my life wouldn't have taken the awesome path it has without him and his recruitment stories!
Anne Niko
Anne Niko
I think his influence made a difference in so many of our lives.
Brandee Foster
Brandee Foster
I remember reading his ad in the newspaper in abbotsford. Just a plain text add that read "have you ever wanted to join the army? Now's your chance give me a call ..." I was one of the few to have answered said ad.
Sea Schulz
Sea Schulz
I got picked up at my high school. He nabbed this motley crew from all over and turned us into soldiers and changed our lives.
Terry Stratton
Terry Stratton
Terrible news. Heck of a fellow, owe him a lot!
Matt Gillies
Matt Gillies
Heart breaking. He changed a lot of local kids lives back then, including mine. He deserves to see and feel the impact he's had.
Kenn Burns
Kenn Burns
Yes, he sure did change lives. Had never ever even thought about the military. Then I saw a plain black and white poster about part time jobs that didn't even mention what it was. Went to the info session, heard about this great thing called the artillery and now here I am 26 years later, having made the miltary my full time career.
Sandy Goodly
Sandy Goodly
He had me at "drive army vehicles and don't get in trouble when you crash them" .... little did he know.
Anne Niko
Anne Niko
I remember him swearing me in over the hood of a car just before I left for my basic training. I still smile at that memory.
Brandee Foster
Brandee Foster
I had a mullet when he swore me in. He then said, so ok now you're in the army now, go get a fucking haircut. Lol.
Terry Stratton
Terry Stratton

North Langley Library Branch Renamed for Active Local Resident
The Walnut Grove branch has been rechristened in honour of Dean Drysdale.
Heather Colpitts (Langley Advance Times) Apr 19, 2021
The Walnut Grove branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library will be renamed to honour a lifelong Langley man. The branch is located inside the Walnut Grove Community Centre will be called the Dean Drysdale Library in honour of the long-time Langley resident, elected official, professor, military officer, aspiring parliamentarian, and
successful venture capitalist. After he passed away on Aug. 11, 2019, from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Township council discussed options to recognize and honour the many contributions he made to his community, province, and country and referred it to staff for naming options. “Given his passion and commitment to his community, to lifelong learning and education, and to recreation here in the Township, it is very fitting that the library inside the Walnut Grove Community Centre be renamed to honour Dean Drysdale,” said Township Mayor Jack Froese. “He gave so much, to so many, and should be remembered and revered for that.”
Drysdale was born Dec 30, 1963, grew up in the Township, and attended DW Poppy and Langley Secondary schools. He joined the Canadian Army Reserve, was commissioned as an artillery officer at the age of 17 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, serving as the commanding officer of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery in Vancouver. Dean was a passionate life-long learner and graduated from several post-secondary institutions including Douglas College, Bishop’s University (Quebec), the European Institute of Business Administration (Paris France) and the Cass Business School at the City University of London (UK). He held several degrees and designations including an MBA, a PhD, CGA-CPA and FCCA. He taught business at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for 25 years. He was elected twice to Township council, serving from 1996 to 2002, and ran twice for Parliament. He was awarded the 125th Anniversary of Confederation of Canada Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Canadian Forces’ Decoration with two bars. “We are very pleased to support the Township of Langley in recognizing the contributions of Dean Drysdale to his community through the renaming of the library in the Walnut Grove Community Centre. The library is well loved by the community and one of the busiest in the FVRL system,” said Scott Hargrove, FVRL chief executive officer. On April 19, the Dean Drysdale Library was unveiled with a new sign and other forms of recognition inside the branch.
The Walnut Grove branch has been rechristened in honour of Dean Drysdale.
Heather Colpitts (Langley Advance Times) Apr 19, 2021
The Walnut Grove branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library will be renamed to honour a lifelong Langley man. The branch is located inside the Walnut Grove Community Centre will be called the Dean Drysdale Library in honour of the long-time Langley resident, elected official, professor, military officer, aspiring parliamentarian, and
successful venture capitalist. After he passed away on Aug. 11, 2019, from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Township council discussed options to recognize and honour the many contributions he made to his community, province, and country and referred it to staff for naming options. “Given his passion and commitment to his community, to lifelong learning and education, and to recreation here in the Township, it is very fitting that the library inside the Walnut Grove Community Centre be renamed to honour Dean Drysdale,” said Township Mayor Jack Froese. “He gave so much, to so many, and should be remembered and revered for that.”
Drysdale was born Dec 30, 1963, grew up in the Township, and attended DW Poppy and Langley Secondary schools. He joined the Canadian Army Reserve, was commissioned as an artillery officer at the age of 17 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, serving as the commanding officer of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery in Vancouver. Dean was a passionate life-long learner and graduated from several post-secondary institutions including Douglas College, Bishop’s University (Quebec), the European Institute of Business Administration (Paris France) and the Cass Business School at the City University of London (UK). He held several degrees and designations including an MBA, a PhD, CGA-CPA and FCCA. He taught business at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for 25 years. He was elected twice to Township council, serving from 1996 to 2002, and ran twice for Parliament. He was awarded the 125th Anniversary of Confederation of Canada Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Canadian Forces’ Decoration with two bars. “We are very pleased to support the Township of Langley in recognizing the contributions of Dean Drysdale to his community through the renaming of the library in the Walnut Grove Community Centre. The library is well loved by the community and one of the busiest in the FVRL system,” said Scott Hargrove, FVRL chief executive officer. On April 19, the Dean Drysdale Library was unveiled with a new sign and other forms of recognition inside the branch.