Well-respected fruit wholesaler and florist Bill Dryden, aged 91

Florist and fruit merchant Bill Dr yden has died following an illness at the age of 91. Born and brought up in Dundee’s Nelson Terrace, Bill was the youngest of three brothers, who were all involved in the family firm started by their grandfather.

Dr yden’s was a wellknown local business selling flowers, fruit and vegetables.

Bill was educated at Dundee High School and Strathallan. After leaving school in 1947, he spent the next four years learning the trade with a firm of potato merchants in Huntly and at the Glasgow Fruit Market.

From there, he moved back to the family business as it expanded into wholesale, and started up a frozen food department.

In the mid-1960 s the family decided to split the firm, Bill’s share being the retail shops in Castle Street and Broughty Ferry as well as a unit in the Dundee wholesale fruit and vegetable market.

In the late 1980s, with the closing down of the wholesale trade and the rise of supermarkets, Bill decided to sell the business and retired in 1992.

He was a keen golfer and joined Panmure Golf Club, Barry, in 1953 where he enjoyed p l ay i n g until shortly before his death.

He was captain of the club in 1983, and in 1996 completed a book marking its 150th anniversary.

Bill was also a member of the R&A and a member of the Seniors Golfers’ Society, where he played with teams in many other countries, often accompanied by his wife Inez, also a keen golfer.

Hi s other interests included rugby and curling and over the years Bill was president of Pitkerro Curling Club, Dundee High School FP Rugby Club, Dundee High School Old

Boys’ Club and the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

He also joined the B o n n e t m a ke r and the Baker Crafts, two of the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee, and was an Elder at St Andrew’s Parish Church, Dundee. Latterly he attended the Broughty Ferry Probus Club.

Described by many as a true gentleman, he will be remembered for his outgoing personality, his generosity, his sharp wit and his many recitals of poetry from memory.

Bill is survived by his wife, Inez, daughter Sally, son Christopher and grandson Max.

WITTY: Bill Dryden was described as a true gentleman.