Philip Friesen

Obituary

Philip Friesen passed away peacefully in his home – lovingly cared for by his family and attended by his faithful companion of 13 years, Jazz, who never left his side. Philip was predeceased by his wife Shirley in October 2004, and his mother Olga in February 2003.

Philip will be remembered by his beloved Dad, William C.S. Friesen (Laura), and his siblings: Alvina Peters (Pat), Alvin Friesen, and Alvera Emmett (Paul), and his nieces and nephews: Corey (Jen), Bonnie (Mark), Andrew, Leona (Brian), Russell, Sammi and Jacki (Alex), who gave him much delight as he watched them grow and cheered them on behind the scene in their pursuits.

Philip loved reading his favorite author Oswald Chambers. Even through the myriad of health difficulties he battled during the last years of his life, he completed (and enjoyed) books such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and was looking forward to the biography of Martin Luther by Eric Metaxas. Due to the deterioration of his health, he reluctantly had to give in and let go of his favorite hobby, reading.

Philip’s dedication and perseverance were also seen in his love of work. For him, to be able to work, and to work hard, always giving his best, was simply a part of his character. Philip’s work ethic was recognized by his employers in letters and with awards, earning him well-deserved accolades such as “efficient,” “outstanding,” “over and above the call of duty,” “dependable,” and “mature.” One of his major highlights was in the season of working with his dad as a salesman for McGavin’s. He loved the comradeship that he had with his dad. He talked about those days fondly.

Philip accepted Christ at the age of 20 and at 25 was filled with the Holy Spirit. He said that the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit marked his life. He would see changes in others as he would share Christ with them, by leading many to the Lord.

Philip also had a life that had experienced much trauma and brokenness. Phil would share that his motivation to drink was to numb the pain due to being broken and unhealed from past hurts. The consequences of drinking led to a bondage of alcoholism and addiction. In those early years of Alcoholics Anonymous, he had a heart after God by leading Bible studies within the group, but he still carried many bruises and brokenness within his life. He said he made wrong decisions and hurt people. Much regret for the past was expressed.

Phil said that freedom that broke the power of the alcohol came from an experience he had at Rock Lake Camp. He was open to have some counsel. He was able to see the root of the pain and rejection and had the ability to begin the journey of forgiveness. The theme of forgiveness would be something that he would share with anyone who would listen. Phil said that the fear that came with addiction was broken as well. His motivation of why he would drink would change. Instead of drinking to bury his pain, he could now enjoy a drink with a game. His heart was being healed. Fear lost its hold on Phil when he began to look outward toward others, and reach out to them.

The end of his life came with remarkable peace and compassion for others. To those who wounded him deeply, he forgave totally from the heart and would silently say the words, “love covers.” In the months before his death, Phil learned to forgive himself and surrender his regrets and failings to the Lord. He said he learned to receive the love of God. The Father’s heart of love was what he had been looking for all his life.

He reconciled broken relationships, and renewed old friendships; he also made new deep and rich ones as well. He enjoyed the incredible fruit of giving and receiving. He had hope and renewed purpose for living. Being a shut-in for the past three years did not keep him from being an influence to others. He expressed desire for unity in all relationships.

His heart’s desires were fulfilled. He wanted a christmas tree with lots of lights. He desired all his siblings to be united for the christmas season and that his special auntie, Anne, could be a part of the celebration. On November 23, he enjoyed that christmas celebration. We had not all been together at the same time in 15 years. He was overjoyed.

Lupus and COPD would weaken and ravish his body steadily for over seven years, but inside he said he was being made stronger every day. He had much peace, hope and confidence of his assurance of salvation.

Thanks, from Philip to all of you. Your visits, food, and gifts were appreciated. He was appreciative as well of your patience when you had to be turned away because he was too ill to have you. He valued your encouragement and was especially grateful to those who came to pray for him. He appreciated ALL of you. Larry, your mowing lawn and building cupboards for Phil blessed him. You were more than a neighbor – you were a true friend.

Thank you, Leona, for spending that last day with your Uncle Phil. Your experience in nursing was what kept him pain free and hospital free in the end.

The funeral service for Philip will be held on Friday, December 8, 2017 at 10:30am at Birchwood Funeral Chapel Steinbach, MB.