Wilbert “Bert” Alvin Friesen

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WILBERT “Bert” ALVIN FRIESEN
November 10, 1924 –March 29, 2016

It is with sadness and gratitude that the Friesen family announce the peaceful passing of their father, brother, friend and mentor. He leaves to mourn his wife Gladys (Funk) Friesen and his children, Sharyn (Joe) Jarzombek, Brad (Chandra Hickling) Friesen, Ivan Friesen, CariLyn (Mark) Buller, and his five grandchildren – Christopher, Zachary and Luke Buller, and Aiden and Keira Friesen; his siblings, Marlene Singbeil, Carol (Fred) Buhay, all of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Bob (Betty) Friesen of Drumheller, SK, Brian (Angele’) Friesen also of Winnipeg, and all his nieces and nephews.

Bert was predeceased by his father, Jonas Q. Friesen, mother Caroline (Reimer) who died when he was five years of age, his step-mother Adina Schmidt Friesen, his sister, Janice Pennlington, and his brother, Bruce Friesen, and his son, Garry Friesen.

Bert was born in Giroux, Manitoba but spent most of his childhood in Steinbach, Manitoba. He was educated in Steinbach and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at the age of almost 18. He was stationed In Whitehorse, Yukon when he and Gladys Funk were married and they started their family there. They later returned to Steinbach where he would work, manage, and eventually own, his father’s business, a local lumber yard. After selling the business Bert began another career with the Association for Handicapped Persons in Winnipeg – commuting several years before moving the family there. He became the manager of Skills Unlimited, a workshop for the handicapped, and remained there until his retirement at age 65.

He was a faithful servant of his Church, Christian fellowship Chapel, serving on the Trustee board as well as on various committees. The Keenagers was one of his favorites.

Bert has made his mark on this world in many ways. During the years that he owned the lumber company, a source of pride to him was that he was able to do most of his business on a handshake. His dedication to the special needs of his son Garry created the beginning of an educational opportunity for all children with intellectual disabilities in Steinbach and surrounding area, with the founding of Kindale School in Steinbach, and shortly after, he helped found the workshop for the continued employment of the handicapped. He has served on the Board of Directors for what was then known as the Canadian and the Manitoba Association for the Mentally Handicapped, for S.P.I.K.E., the home where his son resided. He recently received acknowledgement from his beloved Rotary club for 31 years of service with their MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly). Every year he worked tirelessly on the information needed to make the assembly run smoothly.

His career and service to community are recognized by the many awards he received from his business associates and the community. The family is very pleased that he left behind an autobiographical document which chronicles his whole life.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 4th, viewing at 10am, service at 11am, 2016 at Christian Fellowship Chapel, 465 Osborne St., Winnipeg

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either: Christian Fellowship Chapel; Permanent Endowment Fund of Rotary Club of Winnipeg., c/o RBC Convention Centre, PO Box 243, 375 York Ave, Winnipeg, MB. R3C 3J3; Avant Ministries Canada, 2121 Henderson Hwy, WPG, R2G 1P8,

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home | Arbor Memorial Inc.
4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg MB CA, R3K 1W3
T: (204) 885-9715 | F: (204) 837-8255 |

As published in The Carillon on Apr 01, 2016