Obituary of Duane L. Drydale

Duane LeRoy Drydale, joined our Lord and Savior Monday evening April 1, 2019 in the presence of his loving family. Born June 12, 1937 (age 81) in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Thomas and Violet Madean Drydale and sister Violet Rose (Rosie). Duane and his family moved to Nyssa, Oregon in 1941 settling in the Cow Hollow area to farm. From a young age Duane loved the outdoors, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. He was never happier than when he had a fishing pole in hand or camping with his family. After graduating from Nyssa High School in May of 1957, Duane joined the Army where he served for two years as an Infantryman spending time in Germany during the Berlin Crisis, and 6 years in the Army Reserves. On June 3rd, 1961 Duane met the love of his life, Shirley Jean (Smith) Drydale at the Reed and Bell in Caldwell, ID. Shirley described Duane as the quietest of the guys and soon they spent many evenings driving up to the local dam. After just two months of meeting, Duane and Shirley knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. They were married on August 12, 1961, after which the two spent 58 wonderful years building a life together. Duane and Shirley settled in Nyssa where they farmed for over 40 years, and raised their four beautiful children Brigetta Gage, Jerald Drydale, Tonya Bunker, and Tina Platt. Duane was a large part of the Nyssa community through his participation on the Nyssa Fire Board, Water Board, Budget Board when the high school burned down, Sweet Corn Board, and local Grange Hall. Duane had a fiery, some would say lovingly ornery, spirit that lit up every room he was in and spread joy to everyone that knew him. He was fiercely kind to others and loved to make people laugh. Duane is survived by his loving wife Shirley, his children Brigetta (Gary), Jerald (Katrina), Tonya (David), and Tina (Ronald). As well as his grandchildren, Jessica, Debbie (David), Joshua, Ricky (Christina), Alicia (Lupe), Jason (Chris), Jared, Jorden (Paige), Jenae (Thomas), Janna (John) and his 16 great-grandchildren.

On Friday, April 12th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm there will be a viewing at Ontario Lienkaemper Funeral Chapel. Also, a memorial will be held in Duane’s honor at Cow Hollow park in Nyssa Saturday, April 13th at 11:00AM, immediately following the service there will be a BBQ for friends and family to join in celebration to a life well lived.

Arrangements and Services by Lienkaemper Chapel, Nyssa.