Jim passed away at Cowichan Hospice, Duncan, BC, the morning of May 17th. He left us the way he lived his life, with quiet dignity and humility.
Jim is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Jeanette (Todd), son John, five grandchildren William, Thomas, Abigail, Sarah, and Peter, sisters Helen Porter, and Anne Mudge, brother-in-law Rodger Hunter (Alison) and four nieces and nephews.
He was the first-born child of John and Ruth Dryden and was raised on Maple Shade Farm in Brooklin, Ontario. After graduating from Whitby High School, he spent one year teaching grades 1-8 in a Southern Ontario one-room schoolhouse. He would always smile and say he was the teacher, cleaner, and indoor and outdoor maintenance guy.
Following his teaching year, he entered medical school at the University of Toronto and graduated in 1967. After graduation, he and his wife Linda packed their worldly possessions into a converted snowmobile trailer and camped their way out to Victoria, Vancouver Island, where Jim had been accepted as an intern at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
On completion of his internship, he went into medical practice with Dr. George Rasmussen who became a lifelong friend and colleague. Eventually Jim relocated to View Royal where he was joined by Dr. Murray Stanwood and the two physicians practiced together until Jim’s retirement from general practice in 2008. Jim and Murray also became lifelong friends. Jim was an old-fashioned GP who did house calls, delivered babies, did daily hospital rounds, emergency visits and served on volunteer hospital committees. He truly loved the practice of medicine and caring for his patients.
Jim was an excellent athlete who enjoyed football, lacrosse, squash, cycling, and sailing. Many wonderful family vacations took place on the water. He was also an accomplished woodworker who especially enjoyed doing lathe work. Family members and friends have lovely commemorative pieces created by Jim. Everything he undertook, he did well.
The family would like to thank Dr. Frank Egan and Wilma, the Cowichan home care nurses, the palliative team and the exceptional Cowichan Hospice staff for the compassionate care they provided for Jim.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will take place in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Saturday June 27th, 2026, at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations to the charity of your choice.
Condolences and memories may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Dryden” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
20 Responses
Good Friend In High School
Had no idea he was in Bc
Rest in peace big guy
I am so sorry to read this-just learned of DR Dryden’s passing-I thought I saw him a few months ago-I am so saddened. He was my Dr from Mar 1969 until he retired. HE came into my life as a new Dr instantly liked him his big smile and gentle manner. later delivered my son, the rest of my extended family also joined his practice. WE all loved him. Such a kind caring man and Excellent Doctor. Best Doctor I ever had and will never forget him. My condolence to his family and all that loved him. Janet Finley
Dear Linda, Jeanette and John,
I have just learned of your husband’s/father’s passing and send my sincere condolences on your loss. The loss is always heartbreaking regardless of age of health, and I hope that happy memories will help to sustain you through the sad moments.
Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Dearest Linda, John and Jeanette. when I first read the obituary I was filled with super sadness. I somehow, through shock or stupidity,lost the message.
I spent the morning in Tonga with a ton of great time pictures.
I said to Marilyn that we should start thinking about going to Jim’s celebration of life. She found and read the obituary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!apology is not enough!!!Love to all of you.
Dear Linda and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of Jim.
Although we did not have the privilege of knowing him personally, the obituary and the memories shared here speak beautifully of a life marked by kindness, humility, service, and devotion to family.
Linda, we know you through your thoughtful work on the Kildonan Board, and we are very sorry for your loss. May you and your family find comfort in the many lives Jim touched and in the memories held by those who knew and loved him.
With sympathy,
Daphne Boyer and Don Sugden, Kildonan House Residents
We were shocked and so saddened to hear of Dr. Dryden’s passing .
Condolences to the Dryden family and their friends at this time .
Jim was my Dr as a young teen and my mother’s as well and was the best ever!!
After bringing my 3 beautiful healthy children into the world he became their Dr. growing up and Brian’s .
Later in life my mom got such fabulous care from him while in the Priory for years
stopping to visit her frequently!An absolute wonderful human being and will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Brian, Ann, Dwight,Derek and April Stewart
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Jim Dryden.
I had the privilege of calling on Dr. Dryden for many years as a pharmaceutical representative. He was always welcoming, always gracious, and no matter how busy his day was, he would take the time to listen as I shared information about my products.
Dr. Dryden was a true gentleman—kind, respectful, and genuinely interested in the people he met. He also had a wonderful twinkle in his eye and a quiet sense of humour that made every visit enjoyable.
He made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and patients. He will be remembered with great respect and fondness.
Linda, Jeanette & John,
Thinking of you at this time. I’m so sorry to hear of Jim‘s passing. He was such a wonderful human being, so loved by all. I hope all your wonderful memories will help you through this time of sorrow.
Diane
Auntie Linda, Jeanette & John,
My heart goes out to you and your entire family during this difficult time. Uncle Jim will always hold a special place in my heart. I fondly remember his kindness, warmth and quiet strength. He had a devilish grin and he loved to laugh. He loved a good joke (especially if it had a “naughty” undertone) and was a fabulous story teller.
He was a cherished friend to my dad for so many years and I imagine that George was there to welcome his friend with open arms.
Dr. Dryden was our family doctor when the children were young. We were blessed to have him and his quiet,caring nature.
Sincere condolences to all the family at this difficult time.