WALTER MCGREGOR (MAC) DRYDEN

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WALTER MCGREGOR (MAC) DRYDEN September 24, 1919 - July 17, 2005 It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dearly beloved husband, father, brother, afi and lang-afi, Mac Dryden, after a courageous struggle with cancer at the Selkirk General Hospital. Left to mourn his loss is his beloved wife of almost 57 years Gudrun (nee: Helgason), son Allan (Val) of Selkirk, grandchildren, Dean Clifford (Medea), their children, Kelton, Brynn and Carmen, Les Clifford, Kevin Dryden and Jordan Dryden; son Bruce (Melanie) of Gimli, grandchildren, Matthew and Lauren; daughter Colleen Dryden (Doug Rennie) of Edmonton; his loving sister, Isabella Dryden of Winnipeg; brother-in-law, Gunnar Helgason of Hnausa; and sister-in-law Iris Dryden of Parksville, BC. and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents James and Mary Dryden, his brothers Scotty and George, sister Louise Milne, sisters-in-law, Rose Helgason, Laverne Dryden and brother-in-law Charlie Milne and his mother and father-in-law, Sigurros and Helgi Helgason. Mac was born Walter McGregor Dryden on September 24, 1919, in Lenore, MB. His father passed away when he was just a child and everyone was forced to grow up very quickly and help their mother Mary raise her family. After trying to enlist unsuccessfully for service in the Second World War (flat feet-not good for marching they told him), young Mac worked as an aircraft mechanic doing his part to serve his country. After the war, Mac worked for Manitoba Hydro for 39 years before retiring in 1979. He was well respected by his peers. His work brought him to the Interlake where he was smitten with a young Icelandic girl, Gudrun Helgason of Hnausa. They were married on his birthday, September 24, 1948, and settled in Gimli where their three children were born. In 1961, he became the Area Manager for Hydro-Interlake Area and moved his young family to Selkirk where he continued to live until his passing. Mac enjoyed many things, their get-away at Willow Island, their horses, dancing, curling, golfing, hunting, fishing, camping, sports of any kind, travelling as often as possible. Gudrun and Mac made many memorable trips with their young kids in tow across Canada and the States. It couldn't have been easy! Mac really loved to golf and did so passionately in his retirement years. He made the papers when he was 74 years old and shot a hole-in-one at the Selkirk Golf Club. While in Gimli, Mac was a volunteer ambulance attendant, a charter member and President of the Gimli Kinsman Club; served as a board member of Betel Home Foundation for 29 years, was President of the Selkirk Icelandic League Bruin Chapter (which was a major feat since he was a full-blooded Scotsman). Mac was very active in the Selkirk Kinsman Club and the K-40 Club in later years. After his retirement he became a member of the Hydro X group which he enjoyed immensely. Mac belonged to several other organizations over the years and he served his communities well. There was nothing Mac loved more than his family. He could always be relied on to lend a helping hand with anything, be it babysitting his grandchildren, fence building, decks, additions, hot tubs, etc., but his specialty was digging holes. That man was a wonder with a shovel and nobody could excavate like Mac. In their long and happy retirement, Gudrun and Mac spent many wonderful summers at their place at Willow Island where they enjoyed long, lazy days, boating and fishing. They also travelled extensively to many beautiful locations such as Hawaii, New Zealand, Fiji, Scotland, England, Wales, Alaska, Iceland and his very favorite, Australia. Mac made friends easily with his outgoing, good natured personality. He had many life long friendships over the years and could always be relied on to stop in for good strong cup of coffee and reminisce about the good old days whenever he was in your area. We will miss all the wonderful times we shared with him and he will always be in our hearts. In accordance with Mac's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 21 at 2:00 p.m. in the Selkirk Evangelical Lutheran Church, 329 Clandeboye Ave. (next to Safeway) with lunch to follow at the Selkirk Legion, 403 Eveline St. Both locations are wheelchair accessible. Private interment will take place prior to the Memorial Service in Hnausa West Cemetery. Everyone in attendance at the Memorial service can consider themselves honorary pallbearers. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Lindenschmidt and the staff at the Selkirk General Hospital for their compassionate care. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so wish, donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Foundation, the Selkirk General Hospital Palliative Care Unit or a charity of your choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 19, 2005