PETER H. FRIESEN, BSC MD MPH

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PETER H. FRIESEN, BSC MD MPH September 2, 1923 - October 27, 2005 Peacefully on October 27, 2005, our beloved husband, father, Opa, Uhr Opa, brother, uncle and friend, Peter Friesen, passed away at the age of 82 years. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 60 years, Annelie; his children Myra, Eric (Elaine), Eleanore (Henry), Michael (Susan), Carla (Ken), Denise (Jean-Louis); grandchildren, Tanya, Jay (Brenda), Aysa, Anders, Annika, Tim (Tammy), Sarah, Pallulaaq, Tapaarjuk, Maria, Ippiksaut, Tia, Jennifer, Vanessa (Jerrod), Rachel (Lincoln), Matthew (Naila), Angela (Tim), Tim, Matthew (Chrissy), Jennifer, Sonja, Rachel; great-grandchildren, Abigail, Arlen, Rayna, Taylor, Mapsalaaq, Ella, Anneleh, Trinity, Joshua; sisters, Phyllis (Herb) Peters, Agathe Fremming, Leis (Harold) Daudrich, Anne (George) Dyck; sister-in-law Margaret McQueen, brother-in-law Paul (Lorraine) Penner and numerous nieces nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Maria Friesen, infant brother Jakob, and brother-in-law Charlie Fremming. Born on September 2, 1923, in Marjewka USSR to Henry and Maria Friesen, Dad immigrated to Canada with his family in 1925 and grew up in the Ste. Elizabeth area of Manitoba. Ein ewiger student. After attending MCI in Gretna, MB, he graduated from the University of Manitoba (Agriculture), and then enlisted in the army in the Medical Corps. That's when the 'bug' bit him. Upon his discharge, he once again entered the hallowed halls of the U of M, enrolling in the Faculty of Medicine. In 1950, he completed his internship at the Grey Nuns Hospital in Regina, and then began to practice in Steinbach, then Emerson, and finally Winnipeg, where he was in partnership with Dr. Henry Guenther and Dr. Peter Enns. After 25 years of faithful service to his many patients, he embarked on a career as an epidemiologist in Winnipeg. He then became the Medical Officer of Health for Eastern Manitoba in Beausejour, when Kenora beckoned - with the family cottage at Minaki it seemed only natural that he should accept. A Masters Degree in Public Health was required for the position of Medical Officer of Health for the Northwestern Ontario Health District, so Mom Dad headed to St. Paul, Minnesota and Dad went back to school for a year at the age of 55. Retiring at 67 years young, he never wanted to leave the Lake of the Woods area, but for health reasons, decided to move back home to Manitoba in 1998 to be closer to family, friends and the church. It was a good move. Peter's passion for sports, especially golf and curling, was always evident. Known simply as Doc , he was a long-time member of Pine Ridge Golf Course, and Valour Road Keewatin Curling Clubs. Quick witted and forever the actor, he entertained us all with his love for theatre, poetry, books and country music. A celebration of Dad's life will be held at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Avenue, on Wednesday, November 2 at 11:00 a.m. Our family would like to thank the dedicated homecare workers, Marlene, Rick, Dennis, Jaimie, Felix, Tess and Cora for their exceptional care and support. As well, sincere thanks to Dr. C. Arenada, Dr. M. Dowhanik and the GD 5 angels of the Health Sciences Centre for their loving care during Dad's brief stay there. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, Bethania Personal Care Home or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been made through Klassen Funeral Home, 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2005