Ronald Friesen

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RONALD FRIESEN
December 1, 1935 – March 14, 2016

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our brother, Ronald Friesen. He slipped away peacefully in his sleep, on Monday, March 14, 2016, at the St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, MB.

He was predeceased by his parents: Rev. John R. and Maria Friesen of Kleefeld; four sisters: Elma (Henry Dueck), Betty (Dave L. Friesen), Marion (Menno Reimer), and Myrna (Gordon Friesen); and four brothers-in-law.

Ron is survived by three sisters: Roseline (Isaac Loewen), Matilda (Abe Eidse), Carol (Werner Janzen); and one brother Laurence (Linda) Friesen; two brothers-in-law: Gordon Friesen and Werner Janzen; and three sisters-in-law: Linda Friesen, Nita Friesen, and Eva Reimer; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Ron spent his childhood on the family dairy farm in Kleefeld and attended the Gruenfeld School, where he formed close bonds with his classmates and excelled in his studies. He was baptized in the Kleefeld E.M.C. Church in 1952. He never waivered from his deep Christian faith and pacifist convictions. After moving to Winnipeg, he attended Bethel Mennonite Church, where he sang in the choir for a time.

He received his post secondary education at United College and the University of Manitoba, receiving Bachelor degrees in Arts, in Social Work, and a Masters in Social Work. He worked 15 years as a social worker, including the position of Acting Regional Director of Eastern Manitoba. After that time, he formed a business partnership with two of his nephews in Beausejour, which lasted almost 20 years. He also studied law and obtained a law degree during this time. Retirement at age 58 was precipitated by the first of three heart valve infections. These infections resulted in heart surgery in 2014 and ultimately led to his death.

Following his retirement, Ron began a 10 year period of intensive historical research and writing, publishing 4 books. His last book won the Manitoba Archives Assoc. award for excellence in historical research.

His special interests included attending junior hockey games, choral concerts, coffee times, discussions and travelling. Ron often expressed a wish to have lived in Europe. He made 10 trips overseas. Time spent at the lake in the Whiteshell, especially during the time of his cottage ownership, were happy times for him.

Ron was also known for his amazing memory, his insightful world views, and his exceptional ability to converse on any topic without appearing arrogant. His ever-present sense of humor surfaced even in his numerous hospital stays. Ron went out of his way to show compassion and generosity to his fellow citizens, and to his extended family. He was a gentleman and a scholar, and often our window into the world. A favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews, he leaves a rich legacy of a life well-lived and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 18, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 W, Steinbach, MB, with a viewing prior to the service. The burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ronald may be made to the Steinbach Heritage Village, Steinbach, MB.

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Mar 15, 2016