BRIAN OLIVER FRIESEN

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BRIAN OLIVER FRIESEN
March 7, 1946 – September 28, 2022

It is with tremendous sorrow that we say goodbye to our dear husband, father, brother and grandpa, Brian, who passed away following a courageous decade-long crusade against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and a brief battle with lung cancer.
He will be forever remembered by his cherished wife of 54 years, Angèle (Bretecher); his children, Tim (D'Arcy St. Pierre), Paul (Valerie Desjardins), Lisa (Matthew Lazowski); grandchildren, Evangeline, Alex, Dominic, and Phillip; his sisters, Marlene (Singbeil) and Carol (Buhay); his big brother Bob; and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Jonas and Adina (Schmidt) Friesen, his brothers, Bert and Bruce, and sister Jan (Penlington).
Brian was born and raised in Steinbach, Manitoba. He moved to Winnipeg after high school, where he met Angèle, marrying on May 4, 1968. Together they raised three children, residing mainly in Windsor Park.
All who knew Brian, knew him as a quiet and kindhearted man. Even in his suffering, he was gracious to those that cared for him, in particular his steadfast caregiver, and his love, Angèle. His many doctors and nurses adored him for his courtesy and gratitude. Brian had a genuine smile, a witty sense of humour, a keen intellect, and a zeal for travel.
Brian's career was in the colour printing and graphic arts industry. He started out at Jack Berger Ltd. (later Great Western Graphics), then in 1988 he opened Vision Color Inc. with partners George, Ken, and Marvin who became lifelong friends. Brian was talented in his work, a kind and respected manager, and proud of his accomplishments.
Above all, Brian valued his family and friends. He was a devoted husband who adored his wife, even if she forever teased him! He loved nothing more than to explore the world with Angèle but also savoured their quiet time together, sipping a morning coffee or reading together in bed at night. Brian was a warm and helpful father, fiercely (but humbly) proud of his children and their spouses. His grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, particularly during the isolating times of the pandemic. He was always eager to play with them, even when his health made it difficult. Brian loved to visit and laugh over a drink with his siblings and in-laws, and looked forward to evenings out with friends.
May we follow in his footsteps, walking through life with his same grace, kindness, humour, and sense of adventure.
Brian's family would like to thank the countless people who cared for him in his final years, notably: Dr. B. Sharkey, Dr. M. Ainslie, and the adored Dr. R. Liu. The angels in our darkest hour: Yohannes T. (WRHA Palliative Care), nurses, Joanna F., Neil S., and Jen M. (St. Boniface Hospital). We thank our family and friends for their abiding love and support.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 22, 2022 at Voyage Funeral Home, 220 Hespeler Ave., Winnipeg. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or CancerCare Manitoba.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 08, 2022