Robert (Bob) Isaac Friesen
Obituary
Robert (Bob) Isaac Friesen, aged 76, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, with his loving wife of 57 years Judy by his side. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Bob’s life was marked by his deep love for his family and his unwavering kindness.
He was predeceased by his parents, Susan and Ike Friesen, as well as his brothers Raymond and Jack.
Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years Judy, his son Rob (and Traci) Friesen, his daughter Susan (and Daryll) Stevenson, and his cherished grandchildren: Taylor (and Marcus) Friesen, Kayla Friesen, Colton Friesen, Dylan Stevenson, and Brynn Stevenson, along with so many friends. He also leaves to mourn his three brothers, Art Friesen, Len (Jean) Friesen and Albert (Cindy) Friesen along with many nephews, nieces and life-long friends.
Bob was born October 9, 1948 in Winnipeg, the second oldest of six boys. The Friesen family lived in the Weston area until they moved onto Jubinville Bay in Windsor Park when Bob was 12 years old. The Friesen boys made an impact on their neighbourhood and quickly made lots of friends that are still friends today. He loved to say his favourite Christmas gift he ever received was a Boston Bruins hockey jersey and socks when he was nine years old. And that love for the Bruins was life-long.
Bob met Judy when they were teenagers in Windsor Park and were never apart until April 29th. They built a strong foundation of love and support. Bob worked hard to support his young family and started and owned many businesses over the years. He partnered with Polar Bear Rubber in 1975. After he sold that he bought the Dawson Road Car Wash and gas station which they ran for many years and then retired from. But as many of you know, doing nothing was not Bob. Their next venture would be to design, build and run the Hillside Resort Store out at Hillside Beach, MB. This convenience store, restaurant and gas station quickly became a hub of activity for the area. They enjoyed this time while living out at their cottage in Belair for many years and finally decided to try retirement again for the second time in 2012.
But alas that retirement didn’t last much longer than the first – he joined Co-Op Hail as a part-time adjuster where he got to work with so many great guys, whom he has stayed in touch with ever since. Finally in 2021, he retired and it truly was, third time is the charm.
Travel was a big part of their life and Bob and Judy spent many years travelling with friends to Deadwood, Montana, Wyoming and Florida to mention a few. They also loved going down to Playa de Carmen to visit life-long friends, the Suttons. They also enjoyed going to Palm Springs to spend time with Sue and Daryll.
Bob enjoyed hanging out with his buddies at poker nights, hockey drafts and dinners. They called themselves the Good Ol’ Boys (GOB) and loved talking sports and just shooting the breeze with each other. Many a laugh was had at these gatherings. Bob also enjoyed his many golf trips with his golf buddy, Henry.
Bob and Judy always included their children when they went visiting with friends; no need for a babysitter because kids were always welcome. Whether it was a dinner at friends or hosting card nights at their place the kids were always there and part of the activities. Christmas dinners were often hosted by Bob and Judy with all the brothers, their families as well as many good friends – everyone was welcome at the Friesen home.
Bob was also an avid sportsman who loved all sports; but his favourites were baseball and hockey. He spent his early years playing hockey as a goalie for Weston, Winakwa and the Jr Saints, even getting protected by the New York Rangers in 1966. He went on to play senior hockey for the Carmen Beavers for a number of years. In 1976 he won the MMHL AAA Championship with the Jr Saints as a coach and was the recipient of one of only five gold rings awarded. After his playing days ended, he gave back by coaching the AAA Saints hockey team for many years and enjoyed seeing the boys he coached go on to have great careers in hockey but mostly become good young men. His other love was fastball, where he made the All-Star team.
He was a big supporter of his kids’ sports. He loved to go on road trips with his buddy Henry to watch his son Rob play when he played at Notre Dame College. He faithfully went every weekend – some people thought he actually lived in Wilcox, SK., because he didn’t miss a single game! They would continue that tradition when Rob went to play for the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL. He also loved watching his daughter, Sue play ringette for the Bonivital Angels and took many trips all over to watch her – from Vancouver to Saskatoon to Frederickton and even down to Minneapolis when she represented USA in the ringette World Championships.
Once his grandchildren came along, he found a new purpose in life and enjoyed so many great family moments with each of them over the years. And when they got into sports his continued commitment to supporting them continued with this next generation. He loved to watch Taylor play softball for Dakota CC, Smitty’s and at William Jewell College in Kansas City, Missouri. Bob and Judy loved road tripping to watch Kayla play hockey from St. Vital Vics to Winnipeg Warriors to St. Mary’s Flames Prep to St. Cloud to Clarkson University and professionally with Connecticut Whale and Boston Pride women’s hockey. Bob really enjoyed watching his grandson Colton play hockey starting from Timbits to AAA to MJHL in Winkler to Jr hockey in Alaska and finally to D1 college hockey at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD.
Bob and Judy would often hop in the car or book a flight and head out to Lethbridge to spend time with daughter Sue, Daryll, Dylan and Brynn. So many great times were spent with them. Many holidays and birthdays celebrated along with side trips to the States and many memories of watching Dylan play Timbits to bantam hockey in Lethbridge and in Okotos where he played in the Western Canadian AAA bantam hockey championship. Bob took great joy in watching his youngest grandchild, Brynn play ringette and her love of the game and tenacity shone through. also loved their time watching the Briar in Lethbridge with Sue and her family. Trips to Wateron were also a favourite side trip while spending time with them in Lethbridge. Above all else, his love for his children and grandchildren was immeasurable.
He lived hard, played hard and most importantly he loved hard. Bob’s legacy of love and dedication to his family will continue to inspire all who knew him.
The service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg, MB., with a reception to follow.
