Earl Lee Dryden

Earl Lee Dryden died peacefully at home on February 27, 2020 following a wonderful evening with his wife and good friends. Earl was born May 31, 1927 in Detroit to Elma and James Raymond Dryden (“Ray”). The stories abound about the fun times Earl had growing up in the Brightmoor area of Detroit with his four brothers and the love and wisdom of his parents. After high school Earl enlisted in the Navy becoming a LST “skipper”. After his discharge in 1946 he enrolled at Michigan State University where he met his first wife Betty. He finished his education with a bachelor’s degree in business from Wayne State University. During his college years he also worked, and started a family, always determined to succeed professionally and provide for his family. Earl was a devoted and supportive father. He loved to read to his children, his favorite book being Kipling’s Just So Stories, especially The story of How the Elephant Got His Trunk. He was also known to sing at bedtime and perform magic tricks, pulling quarters from behind ears to the delight of his children. In 1980, Earl married Anne. He retired from Chrysler Corporation in 1988 as a Vice President after a long career with the company. Then began years of travel for Earl and Anne around the world and across the country, always finding different routes between their homes in Michigan and Arizona. They loved watching sunsets from their deck at Crystal Lake and from their patio in the shadows of the Catalina mountains, often surrounded by family and friends who couldn’t resist a visit. They were active members of a bridge club with good friends, who visited them both north and southwest, and were founding members of Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beulah, MI. Earl was the best of grandfathers, getting down on the floor to play, bumping down the stairs on his bottom (and having to sit on a rubber donut for days afterwards) and allowing small fingers to style his hair and examine his facial orifices.He knew how to relate to children in a way that made each of them feel very special. In 2009 Earl and Anne moved to Fox Run Senior Living where Earl quickly made many friends with residents and staff. Earl was always a gracious host. A kinder or more generous man can not be found. When he could no longer make it to the Pub for Monday night happy hour, a favorite event, his friends brought happy hour to him. He was a lifelong learner and an active member of the Fox Run men’s book club. Earl kept up with the world and had a quick wit. He was always willing to dispense the best of advice, but only when asked. Earl was predeceased by his brothers, an infant son Jeffrey, his son Philip, and daughter-in-law Kathy (Brad). He is survived, and will be missed terribly by his wife Anne, his children Linda (Wes) Harris and Brad Dryden and his stepdaughters Holly Hudson Hatt (Fritz) and Heather Hudson (Dan Ruffe) along with all of their grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved him dearly. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Crystal Lake and Watershed Association, P.O. Box 89, Beulah, Michigan 49617. A private service will be held at Fox Run and a scattering of his ashes later this spring at St. Andrews. To share a memory please use the Share A Memory tab on the web page.

Earl Lee Dryden

May 31, 1927 - February 27, 2020