CORNELIUS FRIESEN

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CORNELIUS (CORNY) FRIESEN It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Cornelius Friesen, announce his passing on Wednesday, December 31, 2014, at the age of 94. Besides his parents, Dad was predeceased by his twin brother at birth, his sister Sara at age three, his brother Henry at age 21, and his brother Abe at age 38. He leaves behind to celebrate his life, his beloved wife of 56 years: Helen (Neufeld), son Paul, son Menno with wife Liz Plett, daughter Linda Fast with husband Tom, daughter Hanna, grandchildren Anton and Connan Friesen, Brendan Fast with wife Jeni, Zakk Fast with wife Kim, Brooklyn Fast, and one great-granddaughter, Julia Fast, along with many other relatives. Dad was born in Grigorovka, Ukraine, on Feb. 22, 1920. In 1924, his family immigrated to Canada, settling near Kleefeld and later Winnipeg. During the Second World War, Dad served in the medical corps. After the war, Dad chose barbering as his profession, working at the Marlborough Inn, then at The Ritz, and later at the Royal Alexandra Hotel. He attended Sargent Avenue Church where he met Mom, marrying on November 16, 1958. They had their home built on Greene Avenue, and started attending the Springfield Heights Mennonite Church where they made many lasting friendships. Dad opened his own barbershop on Henderson Hwy, later moving it to other locations on Henderson. We fondly remember him either biking or roller-skating to work. Dad loved animals and constantly fed the birds and squirrels in the yard. His love for nature has been passed down to us, and we are deeply grateful for that. When Mom was diagnosed with MS years ago, Dad started researching the disease holistically. He later started his own talk show on Shaw TV, called "Lifestyles for the 90's", promoting vitamins and healthy food choices. It appears his research paid off because Mom's condition stayed stable over the years, much to the surprise of the doctors. Later in life he made a few concessions and allowed some of his favourite foods back into his diet: KFC chicken, Coffee Crisp chocolate bars and Mountain Dew. Dad was a constant help to Mom over the years of her illness; helping with household chores, grocery shopping, and meeting her every need. He has left us with a real legacy of what it means to give selflessly, without complaint. Dad had a love of life and a love of talking with people -- sharing his views on health and his belief in God. We know that many of the people who got haircuts from Dad, would attest to that! In his last years at Bethania Personal Care Home, Dad was known by the staff as a good-natured, content man, who could easily crack a joke and when asked how he was doing on any given day, would reply: "perfect!" We wish to thank the wonderful workers at Bethania who have taken such good care of Dad, and have loved him, and Adina at Bethania Haus who helped in so many ways without recognition. God has blessed him and our family throughout the years and we know that Dad is with his beloved Savior in heaven, socializing with all his relatives and loving it. Dad we love you goodbye until we meet again. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Springfield Heights Mennonite Church, 570 Sharron Bay, Winnipeg, MB, with viewing at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, Winnipeg, MB. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Cornelius may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2015