Friesen, Victor (1912-1976)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1976 Oct 29 p. 30

Birth date: 1912 April 11

text of obituary:

VICTOR FRIESEN

Victor Friesen, for many years of Winnipeg, was born in Waldheim, in the Moltoschna in southern Russia. Here he received his early education and began to show a keen interest and ability in art. In 1924 he emigrated to Canada with his mother, Susanna Friesen, and a sister Lydia. His father, Peter Friesen, had died a few years earlier. After a short stay in Ontario the family settled in Winnipeg.

At an early age Victor made a commitment to Jesus Christ and on August 19, 1928, he was baptized and received into the Northend Mennonite Brethren Church (later the Elmwood Church), Winnipeg. After high school, Victor worked to support the family and began studying art at the Winnipeg Art School and the Banff School of Fine Arts. In June, 1943 he married Elsie Peil of Winnipeg, a union blessed with four children, a son Ronald and daughters, Tamira, Celeste and Alisa.

Art was Victor's work and his relaxation. As a commercial artist he worked many years at Brigden's and later as a partner in the studio of Hoogstraten-Friesen. He was a longtime mbmer of the Manitoba Society of Artists and the Winnipeg Society of Artists and the Winnipeg Sketch Club, where he shared his ideas of art and formed many friendships. At home and on holidays, he loved best to create the numerous works he has left behind. His quiet dignity and kindness endeared him to all who knew him. He searched for God's beauty in nature and for character and meaning in simple things. His paintings reflected his character: soft colors, subdued outlines, bringing out the hidden beauty of ordinary things. In his quiet way he worshiped God and sought to serve him through his art.

He passed away on August 16, leaving behind a legacy of reverence for God and love for beauty which will be cherished far more than material things.