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RONALD FRIESEN  Obituary pic

RONALD FRIESEN

Born: Dec 01, 1935

Date of Passing: Mar 14, 2016

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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), and Carol (Werner Janzen); one brother Laurence (Linda) Friesen; two brothers-in-law: Gordon Friesen and Werner Janzen; 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, 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 four books. His last book won the Manitoba Archives Association 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 humour 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 favourite 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 Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 17, 2016

Condolences & Memories (3 entries)

  • I am so sorry to hear about the passing of my friend Ron..... I knew him from a very young age on from his running of the LampLighter/RadioShack in Beausejour. It was from him I purchased my first computer (a Tandy Coco with 16K of memory) with a 5 1/4 floppy drive....wow how things have changed over the years since then eh Ron! Spent most of my noon hours and spares of my teenage years at the Shack talking with Ron about all the latest and greatest in music and any electronics that RS carried and one of my best friends, Tim worked there as well for several years. Ron was a great guy who despite his age, conversed well with all, wether they were 8 or 88 with a genuine interest! Really miss those conversations......till we meet again my friend and talk about all those electronic advances in the computer industry! God bless... your friend James! - Posted by: James K (Friend) on: Apr 10, 2016

  • I was astonished and deeply saddened to have learned of the passing my very good friend and mentor Ron.I so wish someone told me of this so I could have seen him or at least attended his service.We did drift away and were not as close in the past few years as we once were while he lived in Beausejour and ran the Lamplighter.We did talk occasionally after he left his condo in Beausejour and moved to St.Annes rd where I did visit him several times as well as getting together for a good meal where I would insist on paying at least once in awhile since he would alway generously want to treat! But that was Ron generous and big hearted and very knowledgeable. He helped me so very much in my teenage years by taking me under his wing like for instance going to the Gateway restaurant to share a meal and many conversations and then eventually giving me my first job of cutting his huge backyard with a very under powered electric mower!!!Then later working side by side at the store when his nephews (Gerry & Roy) and partners left on their many trips. He would always be there to give me advice as well as steering me in the right direction when he saw fit.I remember he helped me when I needed a car for my road test,which was the car he won by the way and come to think of it the only non Chrysler car he ever owned. The last time we got together was right around this time of the year for an Easter Brunch and so wish I would've seen him one more time as I'm sure all who cared about him feel as well. He spoke very highly of his family and would share many stories with me.He took me swimming in the Whiteshell and spoke many times of the store at Betual lake Roy & Gerry's parents owned. I just wanted his family to know what a terrific,down to earth,very intelligent,generous,helpful,thoughtful and many other words he was.I guess he was almost a kind of second father as well as a great friend and will always be in my thoughts and in my heart,this is a very sad day for me.I would also like to say he did an absolutely awesome job(as he always did in all his endeavors)delivering the eulogy at my father's funeral. If there is anything I can do to help I would be honored to do so and just wanted to say I share your grief......martin albietz - Posted by: martin albietz (friend) on: Mar 20, 2016

  • We were very sad to hear the news of Ron's passing only yesterday. Ron was a very dear friend of our late father John Albietz from Beausejour. Ron was also very close with Martin who worked for Ron at Lamplighter when he was young. May you rest in peace Ron! I hope you and Dad are catching up on all the news now. - Posted by: Sylvia, Martin and Karin Albietz also our aunt Rosemarie Albietz from Germany (Friend) on: Mar 20, 2016

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