FRIESEN

Walter Herman Friesen, age 88, of Medicine Hat, Alberta passed away peacefully on April 30, 2019, surrounded by family. He was born to Bernhard M and Katherina (Boschman) Friesen, on March 7, 1931 in their farmhouse near Rosthern, SK with his maternal grandmother as the midwife. Walter grew up surrounded by twelve siblings and a large extended family that he loved dearly. He attended Eigenheim Mennonite Church where he began his lifelong relationship with God. Education was important to him and he completed degrees in Agriculture, Psychiatric Nursing and Teaching, eventually earning his Masters of Education. While attending summer school at the University of Saskatchewan, Walter met fellow teacher, Margaret Melashenko. They were married in 1967 and taught together in Edmonton and the Cayman Islands. Eventually they moved to Brooks, AB where they taught and lived for almost 50 years, and raised their three children. Walter was fascinated with God’s creation and passed on his love of nature to his Biology students, and to his family as they hiked and camped together during summers. He loved to travel and at a young age explored Europe alone on a motorcycle. Walter and Margaret also travelled to many countries. Their favorite destinations were Germany, Russia, Israel and Greece. Getting together with extended family was a priority and they drove many times to Saskatoon area to enjoy gathering with relatives. He is survived by his wife, Margaret and his children & grandchildren: Sheryl (David), Kenaniah & Kayley Schnare; Bruce (Lucia), Lucas & Anna Friesen; Laurie (Arnold), Kiera & Garrett Burkholder. He is predeceased by his parents, numerous extended family members and his grandson, Kristopher Schnare. The Funeral Service will be held at the Brooks Evangelical Free Church (625 8th Street West, Brooks, AB) on Friday May 10 at 2:00 PM. There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday June 1 at 2:00 PM at Chinook Village (2801 13th Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB) in the Terrace room. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada at www.evangelicalfellowship.ca (1-866-302-3362), or the Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation at www.myhealthfoundation.ca (designate to Geriatric Unit 2 North). For further information, to leave a message of sympathy or to light a candle in memory of Walter, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.