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
My late wife Marion and I were fortunate enough to be included in the Dryden family some 30 years ago when his daughter Jeanette married our oldest son Todd. A very special and talented man who dedicated his life to his family and patients Jim made a positive impression on every one he met. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren who all share special memories of their father/grandfather. Among his many talents he was an exceptional woodworker, taking great care in creating things of beauty and functionality that he took pleasure in giving to family and friends. A traditional man he especially enjoyed family gatherings where he and Linda would go to great lengths to make everyone, including visitors, welcome. An avid reader, Jim had a wide variety of interests, joined many groups, had many friends and will be missed by all.
Bill Bryant
Very sad to read this obituary today and learn of Jim’s passing. A life of service and caring, touching many.
While only a part of Jim’s extended family later in his life, Jim was always accepting of me and generous with his kindness. I remain forever appreciative.
My deepest sympathy to all who grieve, especially his family and the grandchildren we share.
Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. I consider it a privilege to have worked with Jim and for the excellent care he provided to my father.
As a nurse for many years in Labour and Delivery, it was always a pleasure to work with Dr. Dryden. A phone call in the middle of the night about his labouring patient, would bring this kind, compassionate person in from home who always had a wonderful smile on his face.
During this sad time, may all the wonderful memories of this great husband, father, and friend, bring you peace in you heart.
I also worked with Dr Dryden in Labour and Delivery in the old St Joe’s and then Vic General. He was a quiet presence and what I remember the most was his smile. What a gift he gave to all the world! May you be comforted by memories of that smile. Kathy Gilchrist, RN
Dr.Dryden will forever be remembered as the best Doctor I’ve ever met. He saved my life when I was 3 years old in 1969. He was my Doctor until his retirement. We moved from Dryden Ontario and that is why my parents chose Dr.Dryden right out of the phone book. Best decision ever made. I will cherish my memories of his amazing bedside manner, and total understanding. And that smile. Sure will miss him.
To the Dryden Family,
Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. My thoughts are with all of you as you navigate the loss of someone so dearly loved.
I will always treasure the wonderful memories of sailing in the San Juans, the rope swing, and sharing family gatherings and Christmas celebrations together. I can still picture the laughter, the warmth of being surrounded by good company, and the special moments that made those times so meaningful. Those days were filled with love, joy, and genuine friendship, and they remain close to my heart.
Jim will be remembered with great fondness, gratitude, and affection. I feel fortunate to have known him and to have shared so many memorable moments over the years. I hope that the many cherished memories you hold of him will bring comfort, strength, and a sense of peace in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Ninty
First met Dr Dryden when our grand daughter was born. McKenzie was his last baby he delivered. Our condolences to his family in this trying time. Rest in peace
Duncan and I send our deepest condolences. We only met your dad briefly but this obituary tells me that he was a very accomplished individual and made a big impact on his many friends, family and patients. I hope you are comforted by all of the amazing memories you must have.
I remember Dr. Dryden very well I worked on Labour Delivery for many years. I will never forget his kindness to everyone around him.
he will never be forgotten.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.