Friesen, John J. (1905-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Oct 20 p. 33

Birth date: 1905 Aug 10

text of obituary:

JOHN J. FRIESEN

John J. Friesen of Chilliwack, B.C. passed away Aug. 9 in Menno Hospital, Abbotsford, B.C. He was born Aug. 10, 1905 to Johann and Maria Friesen in Orlovo, Ukraine. In 1925 he immigrated to Canada. His family expected to follow, but he never saw his parents again, and was only able to visit 3 siblings in Russia 50 years later. For 10 years he worked in several provinces, eventually settling in Rosemary, Alta. In 1936 he married Mary Born. In 1945 they moved to a dairy farm in Chilliwack. In 1987 they moved to a condo. In 1988 Mary died. In October 1989 he married Helen Esau. He is remembered as a generous, loving husband, father and grandfather. He left fond memories and an example of a life well lived. He was a charter member of Eden Mennonite Church in Chilliwack. The last 4 years, he and Helen attended Chilliwack Central MB Church. He was director of East Chilliwack Co-op and was on the founding board of Menno Home in Abbotsford. He was an enthusiastic carpet bowler, enjoying this activity well into his 90s. He had good health until the last few months, when he often spoke of going home. Predeceased by Mary, a twin son and daughter in infancy, a brother and a sister, he is mourned by Helen; children Albert, Lenora Esau and Marlene Fehlauer, all of Chilliwack; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 3 stepchildren and their families; 1 brother and 2 sisters. The funeral was Aug. 14 in Eden Mennonite Church, with Dick Rempel and David Macfarlane ministering.