William C.S. Friesen

Obituary

If you knew dad you knew that he was a story teller. Everything was about stories. You could learn a lot if you listened to those stories. You’d be placed in another time. You may learn a bit about yourself, dads’ character. You may even get a history lesson. Or you may just laugh and say, “oh really.”

Dad worked hard all his life, and he retired this past January, in 2021. He was 92. Dad loved to work. Being born on the family farm, he was introduced to hard work early on. He learned to put his nose to the grindstone, and not to feel sorry for himself. His mom taught him how to cook and clean and his dad taught him to work in the field.

Dad would be out and about driving to the grocery store, running errands, cleaning the house and making supper. Washing dishes and cleaning up the stove was therapy. He said he learned how to do all that from his mom growing up. It was easy for him.

Throughout Dad’s life his value of hard work was seen in his jobs: his 33-year career at MaGavins, and owning his own grocery business called Mitchell Enterprises. He loved to work and was always looking for something to do. He was helpful in the home taking on home chores and in caregiving.

Dad married Olga and together they had two daughters and two sons. They spent the first 13 years living in Winnipeg and then moved to Mitchell.

Dad absolutely loved his grandchildren. When they were young you would find grandpa on the floor playing. As babies, they gladly leapt into his arms for a little cuddle. What joy they brought to him!

Mom had chronic health issues and dad cared for her and continued to drive to Winnipeg, get into his bread truck and do the bread run. He never complained. He said he had a strong body and could handle a lot of stress. Dad had a soft and kind heart. Even as mom was in the hospital for her last two months of life, dad would visit every day. He had a calendar and recruited his brothers and sisters to visit. These were difficult and challenging years for dad but he accepted the challenge. He was a caregiver at heart. He had a lot of compassion and did not like to see our mom suffer.

Mom passed away in February 2003. Dad turned 75 and encouraged a good number of his siblings to fly to Newfoundland to attend the wedding of his brother: Ben’s children. He said this was the best thing he could have ever done. He talked about that trip right up to the end of his life. This also gave dad a taste for travel. And travel is one thing he previously never had time for.

On December 31, 2003 dad married Laura. He packed his bags and moved to Calgary. They loved to host family, attend the local church and enjoy bible studies. Dad and Laura spent 11 years traveling. They had so much fun on road trips and flying to various hot spots. Some of the places they visited were Mexico, Dominican Republic, and, finally, in 2015, Costa Rica. He also helped out with various opportunities for volunteering and caregiving.

Dad and Laura moved back to Manitoba in 2014. Their last seven years were met by many challenges, but again dad rose up to the challenge. He had a heart attack in 2015. Furthermore, his youngest son was ill with Lupus for three years. Dad would visit almost daily. He was very close to Phil and his heart was broken to see him so ill. Phil passed away December 3, 2017. A part of dad was missing. There was a sadness. Whenever he could, he would talk about Phil. His wife was also ill, and he again was met with the challenge of extra caregiving which he was glad to do. He made many trips to doctor appointments. He still loved to drive and said that was not a hardship.

Laura moved back home to Calgary in the beginning of 2021. Dad retired and moved into his daughter’s home. He spent many hours reading. He loved to read from his sister Maria’s book about Our Family Story. He read every word and kept a bookmark in place so he would not lose his spot. Dad read a book called “A History of the Soviet Russia” which was in fine print – his eyes were excellent. He poured over the photo albums of family and of course had to watch every Jets game. Movies about true stories were his favorite. He really enjoyed “The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler,” “A Beautiful Mind,” and “Apollo 13.” Moreover, many hours were spent listening to the Gaither Gospel Series of Joey & Rory and listening to their story about her journey of cancer and the Hymns meant so much to them.

This past month, Dad loved to go out for daily walks, and to explore the greenhouses. He loved to go out to the restaurants. His latest favorite and his last visit was at Oakridge Nursery. Sitting by the window, watching the birds and enjoying a bowl of soup with a bit of conversation. Of course, on his very last visit he had restaurant’s last piece of chocolate cream pie – a treat of all treats.

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William C.S. Friesen, aged 92 years, of Steinbach, MB., passed away peacefully on Monday, April 26, 2021, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB.

He is survived by his second wife, Laura, his two daughters: Alvina (Patrick) and Alvera (Paul); one son Al and their families; three sisters and six brothers along with their families.

William was predeceased by his wife Olga and son Philip; one brother and one sister.

A come & go viewing for 10 people at a time will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The livestreamed private family funeral service will take place on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.