Leonard FRIESEN

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FRIESEN: It is with sadness the family of Leonard Friesen, of Brandon, announce that his death occurred on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Born February 14, 1936 at Riverside, Manitoba, Leonard was one of eleven children born to Cornelius and Mary Friesen. Leonard knew the meaning of hard work and he exemplified it his entire life starting at a young age. When he was sixteen he moved to Winnipeg where he worked at various jobs: Eaton’s, sugar factory and then later worked on the pipeline in Ontario. After a few years, he came back to Riverside and started grain farming with his brothers Art and Elmer, and with his Dad. In the winter of 1958, he met the love of his life at a skating rink and married Bertha Rempel on October 5, 1958. They had two daughters, Julia and Muriel, while living at Riverside. Then an opportunity came up close to Wawanesa for Leonard and Bertha to buy a farm there. So they moved from family and friends and started their own farm in 1966. Leonard tried his hand at different things such as raising pigs and cattle. “On the side” to make ends meet he worked at Simplot and then later at the “Duck Barns”. By 1982 the cows were sold and by 1992 all the grain land was sold. He was full time into the trucking business, as Leonard had a knack for mechanic work and could fix just about anything. At the time of his death, Leonard still owned his business “L & B Friesen Limited”. He always said “his work was his hobby”. Leonard used to love going downhill skiing with his family. Every spring break he would take his family and head to the mountains for a few days of skiing. He also loved curling and it was with much regret he had to give up both those sports when his arthritis got to the point where it limited his ability to be physically active. He replaced those sports with attending Wheat Kings Hockey games with his wife Bertha. They had seasons tickets and they never missed a game unless there was a “family” commitment elsewhere where they needed to be or they were away on a holiday. Leonard and his wife Bertha enjoyed many holidays together, they drove (not flew) to Mexico, Palm Springs, Florida and Montreal. One of the best words used to describe Leonard was “generous”. He was generous in the good times and bad times. Whether his business was struggling or whether it was profitable, Len would give and give some more. Along with generosity, he was also a loyal man and lived a life of integrity and faith. His integrity shone through the way he did business and the way he treated everyone around him. As proud as Leonard was of his business, nothing made him more proud than his family and his church. His love for God was evident in everything he did. He was never shy to share his faith and would tell anyone who would listen about his love for Jesus. Leonard was a strong man but only because of his faith and his lifelong companion who truly was his “helpmate”. Leonard will be lovingly remembered by his wife Bertha; daughters Julia (Bruce) Ellergodt, Muriel (Ray) Hildebrandt; grandchildren Michael (Amber) Ellergodt, Jeremy (Carley) Ellergodt, Kyle Ellergodt, Jennifer Hildebrandt and Amber Hildebrandt. The Funeral Service took place at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church on Thursday, January 31, 2013. Pastor Dan Pope officiated. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Leonard may be made to CSSM Ministries, 189 Henderson Highway, Winnipeg, MB R2L 1L7 or Christian and Missionary Alliance Global Advanced Fund, available at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 09, 2013