1925 – 2003

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – Arnold “Bud” Herbert Drysdale, 77, of Livermore Falls, died early Thursday morning, June 19.

He was born Oct. 31, 1925, a son of Jim and Cecilia Drysdale. He was raised in Livermore Falls, where he attended local schools. As a young man he eagerly enlisted in the United States Army.

He had an extensive military career, spanning many decades. In this time he served on the front lines of combat during World War II. He advanced to the rank of Sergeant First Class.

As a member of the 40th Combat Engineers, his tours of duty took him to the shores of France and to England and Africa. He was an instrumental soldier in the liberation of Dachau and other German concentration camps.

On Oct. 29, 1952 he married Carlene Hiltz in Livermore Falls.

Following his years of active duty, he proudly served as a member of the National Guard. At the time of his retirement from military service he was highly decorated. Civilian life brought him to Northampton, Mass., where he completed studies in nursing. He later had a rewarding career as a nurse at the Northampton State Hospital. He eventually retired after 25 years of nursing. He very much enjoyed time in nature.

He was a gifted and talented Dowser – helping Maine folks locate sites for drinking wells. His hobbies included reading, serving as an assistant Boy Scout leader, hunting, hiking, studying the flora and fauna of New England. He was passionate about collecting rocks and semi-precious gemstones.

Over the years he and his family have traveled extensively throughout the contiguous U.S., Hawaii, Canada, and most recently Scotland. His sense of humor, his kind and gentle ways and his warm smile will be greatly missed. God bless.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Carlene Drysdale; and his devoted children, Brandon, Sharon, and Blaine.