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LAURENCE BERNHARD (LARRY) FRIESEN
Born: Apr 23, 1927
Date of Passing: Nov 02, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryLAURENCE BERNHARD (LARRY) FRIESEN
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Larry, on November 2, 2024. Larry passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the age of 97. Though his body has died, his soul lives on with his Lord, Jesus Christ.
Larry was predeceased by his parents, Aaron and Katherine (Loewen) Friesen, brother Ernie (Elizabeth Friesen), his sisters, Anne (Henry Goertzen) and Marie (Leo Funk). Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Bunny, his sons, Drew (partner Sabina) and Mark, his daughter Valerie (Rob Parker), grandchildren, Oscar and Laura, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Larry grew up in Gretna, Manitoba, before moving to Winnipeg to pursue his education, earning his B.A., B.Ed., and M.Ed. from the University of Manitoba. Following a path in community service and education, he served in the Fort Garry Horse armoured regiment, where he was selected to attend the Royal Canadian Infantry (Canadian Officers Training Corps). He also enjoyed a rewarding career within the St. James School Division, teaching at St. James Collegiate, serving as Vice Principal and/or Principal at Brooklands Elementary, Deer Lodge Junior High, Westwood Collegiate and St. James Collegiate for many years.
While at University, Larry met the love of his life (Bunny) Dorothy Slobodianek. They married on August 19, 1954, and celebrated their 70th Anniversary in 2024. Shortly after marrying, they moved to St. James to raise their family surrounded by friends, neighbours, love, and laughter, remaining in the community they both loved to this day.
Dad’s profound faith was a source of strength and comfort throughout his life. He was an active member of Silver Heights United Church for more than 50 years (which later became Prairie Spirit United Church). He enjoyed the scripture readings, participating in communion, and singing joyfully.
Dad enjoyed life to the fullest, travelling, golfing, curling, gardening, and playing cards with family and lifelong friends, continuing to win at cribbage, bridge, and bingo well into his 97th year. Family road trips and gatherings, camping, and travels overseas have created many cherished memories.
The family would like to thank Reverend Donald Johnson, Dr. Matthew Stecy and the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital, and the Tuxedo Villa Personal Care Home for their kindness and compassion.
Cremation has already taken place. A family service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the Neil Bardal Funeral Home, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg Manitoba.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favourite charity, or to Prairie Spirit United Church at 207 Thompson Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 3E2.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 09, 2024, Nov 09, 2024
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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My husband Jim and I offer our sincere condolence to Bunny, Mark, Valerie and Drew. Our family lived across the street from the Friesens for many many years. Larry was a wonderful and considerate neighbor who offered his time and help on many occasions and he was always willing to engage in a friendly chat. I remember fondly how Larry came out his front door, umbrella in hand, to greet me as I carried my newborn son through the rain on my way to introduce him to Larry and Bunny. This simple act of kindness was so special to me. - Posted by: Linda Omori (nee Isfeld) (lifelong neighbour) on: Nov 23, 2024
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Larry was my principal when I was hired on at SJCI. He supported through thick and thin in my early years. He was a good administrator but more than that he was compassionate and showed a capacity for sound judgment. (A little light hearted anecdote. One day when Larry was at a conference, he made me acting principal for the day. After that one day, I always wanted to remain as a classroom teacher. I could never do what he did day in and day out). My deepest condolences to Bunny and the family. - Posted by: Tom Dercola (Colleague) on: Nov 15, 2024
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Corrected tribute I had the pleasure of working with Larry and valued his wise counsel. My condolences to Bunny and the family. May Larry rest in peace and rise in glory. - Posted by: Dorothy Young (Colleague) on: Nov 09, 2024
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My condolences to Bunny and family. I was pleased to work with Larry during my career and valued his wise counsel when he was a superintendent and supervised my first principalship at Arthur Oliver School. May Larry rest in peace and rise in glory. - Posted by: Dorothy Young (Colleague) on: Nov 09, 2024
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I graduated in 1961 from SJCI. Mr. Friesen wrote a wonderful recommendation for a Bursary application for U of M. It was an honest evaluation of my academic progress, but also expressed a belief that I would succeed. That belief was important to me as I did eventually get a B. Comm. and a CGA. My condolences to family and friends for the loss of a wonderful role model. - Posted by: Bev Young (student) on: Nov 09, 2024
