HEIDI COLLEEN FRIESEN

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HEIDI COLLEEN (HARMS) FRIESEN October 5, 1971 - January 26, 2016 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Heidi Colleen Harms Friesen. After a long and courageous battle with colon cancer she moved peacefully to her eternal home on January 26, 2016, at the age of 44. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Elroy and their children, Keira, Alistair, Yuri and Isabel; her parents Dave and Fran Harms and her sisters, Lucille and Darrel Toews (Jen and Scott, Lisa and Peter, David), Elaine and Brian Friesen (Danielle and Brian, Jackie and Dave, Josh and Natalie), Eleanor and Darrell Friesen (Tyler and Jessica, Travis and Rachel, Kelby and Michelle, Kaitlyn); her parents-in-law Al and Laura Friesen and their children, Lynelle and Jeff Thiessen (T.J., Brynae, Hailey, Delainey, Madelyn), Donavan and Kendra Friesen (Makayla, Ryker, Talia, Zeya), Terrilee and Darryl Friesen (Tyrsa, Mila, Caedmon, Declan), Suman and Vineet Sharma (Shreya), and a large circle of dear friends and extended family. Heidi was born in the town of Morden, MB to Dave and Katie (Janzen) Harms, and her early childhood years were spent in Roseisle, MB. These years were sadly interrupted at the age of seven when her mother fell ill and died of colon cancer at the age of 43. A while later, her father married Fran Lepp from Dalmeny, SK. As a newly blended family, they moved to Camp Arnes where Heidi's father was employed as the Maintenance Manager. These were defining years for Heidi. She enjoyed the movement of the water on Lake Winnipeg, working at the corrals, and the evening worship in the wigwam with the campers. Heidi spent countless happy hours there with her friends, including her best friend Candace Derksen, whose father was program director. The two of them were "camp brats" and shared a kindred spirit, enjoying entire summers together, mingling with the staff, welcoming the influx of buses bringing new campers every week, and then participating in whatever programs they wished. It was during these years that she also became friends with Elroy. Her life was again abruptly interrupted with the disappearance and murder of her best friend Candace in the City of Winnipeg in 1984. This tragic event had a lasting and deep-seated impact on Heidi's life. Heidi graduated from Steinbach Christian High School in 1989, and received her Bachelor of Religious Studies degree from Steinbach Bible College (SBC) in 1992. She was reacquainted with Elroy at SBC, and they started dating at the end of college. They were married on June 26, 1993 and Elroy began his teaching career in music at Steinbach Christian High School in 1995. Heidi was known for her support of his career, travelling with him, moving to Illinois to study, and then back again to Winnipeg. Because of the murder of her close friend, Heidi also became interested in working with crime victims, writing for Pathways, a journal for justice, and taking part in the ongoing trial processes. This is when her interest in photography blossomed (an interest that started when she was just 13) and she had a showing with Victims' Voice at the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery. She freelanced as a photographer doing portraits, events, and Elroy's concerts. Heidi's love of nature and fascination with all of God's creation was captured in her photography. She also loved to photograph children - especially her own four, and her many nieces and nephews. Although Heidi worked part-time at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Music for seven years, her focus remained on her family. She relished being pregnant with each of her children and absolutely LOVED having her babies and toddlers underfoot. Her camera was always nearby and in frequent use while she spent time teaching them, playing with them, cultivating their many talents, travelling with them on countless family road trips, and constantly guiding, encouraging and challenging them to pursue a personal relationship with God. Her children were her pride and joy. Since childhood Heidi was actively involved in her home church communities wherever her home may have been; she volunteered countless hours in music ministry, photography, journalism, cooking, hospitality and childcare. Soul Sanctuary was her home church for the last nine years - this was a place of spiritual renewal, repair and rejuvenation for her. Many meaningful relationships were fostered here - friends that walked beside her on the difficult path of cancer. Even on her sick-bed, Heidi faithfully prayed for her many family members and friends and colleagues; she continued to wrestle with her faith and write many pages in her journals and diary. During her long journey with sickness, and right until her passing, Heidi exemplified the fruit of the Spirit in what she said and did - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. She was a blessing to her family, friends and caregivers alike. Heidi, your smile and laughter will not be forgotten. Your heart and spirit touched many people. Thank-you for the example you have given us. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and health care aides of CancerCare Manitoba and the Palliative Care unit at St. Boniface Hospital for the exceptional care given to Heidi during this journey. A celebration of Heidi's life will be held at Soul Sanctuary, 2050 Chevrier, on Wednesday, February 3, at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment in Thomson "In the Park" Cemetery and a light lunch. We invite friends and family to wear something red (Heidi's favourite colour) to help with the celebrations. Memorial donations may be made to the Candace Derksen Fund. Follow the links at candacederksen.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 30, 2016