- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
ORLANDO (ORLY) FRIESEN
Date of Passing: Sep 25, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
ORLANDO (ORLY) FRIESEN
He was predeceased by his parents, Aron and Katharina Friesen, and his wife Jane.
Mourning his death are his two sons, Erik and Kevin, six grandchildren, seven siblings, Irma, Rudy (Ruth), Bruno (Rhama), Peter (Delores), Mildred (Wes), Margaret (Willard) and Claire (Garth), in-laws, Wayne (Paula) and Joan Schneider, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Orly was born in Laird, Saskatchewan in 1941. After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Engineering he took a job with the John Deere Company in Waterloo, Iowa in 1965. Here he met his wife, Jane Schneider and they were married for 43 years.
To avoid being drafted into the US army he returned to Canada where he accepted employment with the Manitoba Department of Agriculture as their farm equipment specialist. When this department was reorganized in 1991 he transferred to the Manitoba Department of Transportation where he was responsible for the service buildings for highway yards, and airport buildings on northern reserves.
Volunteering his time was important to Orly. In the 1980s he gave leadership to the resettlement of 80 refugees through Bethel Mennonite Church. After retirement Orly spent almost full-time offering his services to community and church related building projects. The main ones were Chiara House, Naomi House, Mennonite Disaster Service and Habitat for Humanity. With Habitat he helped organize the construction of two Interfaith houses. In between he found time to help friends and family with various projects. His efforts in serving others was a testimony to his faith and character.
Orly enjoyed church work. For many years he served in various ministries at Bethel Mennonite and more recently at Faith Lutheran Church where his skills and interests were put to good use.
He will be remembered as a good friend, a good neighbour, a person devoted to his grandchildren and a loving father. His care and concern for others gave him purpose in life, enriching their lives as well as his own.
He will be missed by many.
A memorial service will be held in the Bethel Mennonite Church (corner of Carter and Stafford) on Monday, September 30 at 11:00 a.m.
Donations in his name may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Habitat for Humanity.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 28, 2019
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
-
My grandpa took so much care of me, as he got older and weaker I took his place and took care of him. I always loved visiting him, I still wish he was alive but I know he is happy with my grandma. I will miss him. - Posted by: Lexie (Family) on: Dec 29, 2019
-
Orly was a valued member of our Faith Church "Men's Breakfast Group". He was always the "go to or the I will do it guy" to get tasks done around the church. I found Orly to be a very private person, a very special person who wanted no recognition or "crowns as I call it" for tasks performed and jobs well done. I admired Orly for his commitment to family, his love and involvement with his children and grandchildren. In my joining the Faith Church Family, Orly quickly became my mentor, the person I most admired and the person I most wanted to be like. We will miss our friend Orly! - Posted by: Trevor Hayden (Friend) on: Sep 30, 2019
-
With a twinkle in his eye and humor to match our special friend Orly could put anyone at ease! He was a gentleman of character and honor and to us, epitomized the true tennants of Christianity. We will miss his gentle ways and hopefully we can try to measure up to his legacy. Love Charlie and Melody - Posted by: charlie and melody kurtz (friends) on: Sep 30, 2019
-
Orly was a blessing to all of us. He was an inspiration and much loved. We will miss him and his sens of humour. Dennis and Elaine - Posted by: Dennis and Elaine Schultz (Friends) on: Sep 29, 2019