Kenneth Drysdale

Born in Toronto, Canada on February 6, 1929, Ken was the son of William Gordon and Evelyn (Freshwater) Drysdale. Ken moved with his family to Massachusetts in 1943 and he became a U.S. Citizen in 1957.

Ken graduated from William H. Hall High School in West Hartford, CT and from Yale University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Administration. He met his sweetheart, Perrie apJones, in Greenwich, CT and they married in October of 1954. He followed his father into the insurance industry and began his 40+ years in marine insurance working for the Insurance Company of North America in New York City. While there, Ken was also a member of the National Guard based in Brooklyn, NY. Ken joined The Marine Office of America in 1956, first living in Boston, MA and then Jacksonville, FL. He joined Wm H. McGee & Co., Inc. in 1964, and after a number of responsibilities, was elected Chairman and CEO in 1979. In addition, he was President of the Sun Insurance Company of New York, The Baloise Insurance Co. of America, Marine Indemnity Insurance Company of America, Phoenix Assurance Company of New York, and the Fortress Insurance Company of America.

A well respected leader in the industry, Ken was Chairman of many prestigious organizations during his career. He was chairman of the American Committee of Lloyd’s Register, American Institute of Marine Underwriters, American Hull Insurance Syndicate, International Underwriters of Marine Insurance, the War Risk Reinsurance Exchange and the Water Quality Insurance Syndicate. His work took him to many places around the world, traveling yearly to Europe and Asia, many times with his wife.

One of Ken’s passions was golf, which he acquired from his father. Having learned when he was young, he played for 75 years, winning a number of insurance and member guest tournaments. He always enjoyed the many new people he met and the challenge of the game.

Music was a source of joy for Ken throughout his life. He sang with the Yale Alley Cats (9 person barbershop), and church choirs in Greenwich and Mountainside. Later on he introduced his family to barbershop quartets and the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. He was the very model of a modern major general.

Ken’s leadership skills found their way to the Boy Scouts as he served as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster for Troop 771 in Mountainside, NJ. He led many camping expeditions and taught many a Scout the Boy Scout oath and law through his example. While a leader, he helped more than 15 Scouts attain their Eagle rank.

After his retirement in 1991, Ken and his wife spent their summers on Cape Cod, MA. There, Taid, as Ken was called by his grandchildren, instilled his love for card games and puzzles of all kinds. Ken had a great sense of humor, whether it was a good limerick, a comedy play or movie, or joking with friends. Weekly trips to the Brewster Cultural Center are well remembered.

Co-workers and friends alike respected his strong work ethic, unflagging ethics and his ability to get things done with a smile and a firm handshake. Always the leader and organizer, Ken was a doer and one who developed the skills of others. He spent his time helping others achieve their dreams, and with that, his as well. He influenced and challenged everyone he met to live up to their potential. His daily mantra was “Another day in which to excel.” He will be severely missed by all who were blessed to come in contact with him.

The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to our friend, Dr. Joseph M. Garfield, and all the doctors, nurses and staff for their care, respect, and friendship during Ken’s long illness.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Perrie Drysdale (apJones), his son Matthew Gordon Drysdale (Kathy) of Hockessin, DE; daughter Marjie Drysdale Ripsom (Jon) of Wilmington, DE; and his grandchildren Brian Drysdale (Heather), David Drysdale, Kristine Drysdale, Evelyn Ripsom and Stephanie Ripsom all of Delaware. He was preceded by his parents, and three sisters Phyllis Smith, Joan Sherk and Patricia Hughes.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 12:30 pm at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Parkway, Orleans, MA 02653, followed by a reception. A second Memorial Service will be held Sunday, October 7, 2012 at 2pm at Community Presbyterian Church of Mountainside, 1449 Deer Path, Mountainside, NJ 07092, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the College Light Opera Company, P.O. Box 906, Falmouth, MA 02541 or the Boy Scouts of America (http://aplacetogive.scouting.org/) PO Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015.