Peter Friesen was born on March 8, 1927 and went to join his loving wife, Helen, on January 20, 2013.
He was born in Aberdeen, Saskatchewan, the third of thirteen children born to Jacob and Anna (Derksen) Friesen. As one of the eldest children, Dad had plenty of responsibilities on the farm growing up.
He married Helen Dyck, the love of his life, on August 17, 1947. They shared 65 years of marriage and were blessed with 8 children, two of whom died in infancy. Dad and Mom moved around a lot in the early years of their marriage, with Dad finding work wherever he could, doing whatever needed to be done in order to support their growing family. By 1961, Dad was working for United Grain Growers, which didn't stop the moving around, just lengthened the time between moves. The longest stay was in Lowe Farm, where they laid down some roots and got more involved in the community. Dad spent a lot of time at the curling club – this was one of his favourite pastimes. Dad worked hard, but always had time to skate or toboggan with us, or to play cards or a board game. He loved to tease and laugh and we always knew how important we were to him. Dad and Mom made plenty of friends in Lowe Farm and we kids got to feel like we were finally staying put for a while. As our family continued to grow through in-laws and grandchildren, Dad very much enjoyed the many camping and fishing trips that we took as a group.
Unfortunately, Dad developed health issues that meant he could no longer work in the grain industry, so at the age of 48, he had to reinvent himself. So they moved to Winnipeg in 1975 and he went to Red River College for a year, earning a degree in Business Accountancy. Dad had several jobs in this field in Winnipeg, until he and Mom decided to semi-retire to Carman in 1986. Here Dad began working for the Dufferin Agricultural Society, overseeing several Carman Fairs. Both Dad and Mom enjoyed 5 pin bowling, lawn and carpet bowling, and shuffle boarding, and the friendships they made through these activities. Dad also enjoyed golfing very much, an interest he shared with his son and sons-in-law, and even grandsons-in-law. Sadly, he had to give it up in the last few years because of his arthritis. Dad and Mom also shared a love of baseball. Dad took training to be an umpire while in Lowe Farm and he umped many of Jim and Rick's games. In later years they loved to attend Goldeyes games and avidly watched Blue Jays games on TV.
Dad was predeceased by his Mom in 1991, his Dad in 2003, five brothers, two sisters, and his loving wife Helen, just a few weeks ago. He is survived by his daughters, Sarah – children, Pauline, Joy, Ernest (Cheryle), Chris; Susie (Peter) – children Diana (Jim), John (Nicole), Kathryn; Marie (Ben) – children Kevin, Rob (Bobbi); Liz (Rick) – children Rhonda(Isaac), Kim; Janis (Rob) – children Samantha, Kelsey; and son Jim (Shirl) – children Christie, Dustin, Kory; and many great-grandchildren.
Our family would like to thank Mark Reimer of Doyle's Funeral Home, and Pastors Bob Pauls and Karen Schellenberg, and especially the Home Care workers who took such great care of Dad in his last week. In lieu of flowers, kindly send donations in Dad's memory to The Arthritis Society.
