FRIESEN John

May 30, 1924 – November 18, 2012 (age 88)
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John Friesenat the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday with his family at his side. John was the beloved husband of Betty, loving father of Richard (Marilyn), Harvey (Donna), David (Rose Ann) and Rhonda (Gerry) Roth, grandfather of Chris (Addie), Ryan, Amy (Rob) and Jessica (Nathan), and great-grandfather of Camron, Carter, and Aubree. He also leaves to mourn his siblings, Jake (Mary), Carl (Tena), George (Helena), Sarah, Frank (Susan), and David (Hilda), as well as numerous other relatives and friends.
John was born in Wymark, Saskatchewan and his family moved to Chihuahua Mexico when he was a child. After several years the family returned to Canada and farmed in Saskatchewan and Alberta. In 1947, John married Betty Friesen and they started raising their family in southern Alberta. In 1953, the family moved to Swift Current, Saskatchewan, where they lived for several years. John and his brother Henry, established Union Construction and completed a large number of projects in southern Saskatchewan. In 1970, the family relocated to Lethbridge where John had taken a job to work on the construction of the University of Lethbridge. He took great pride in his contribution to the University’s unique construction.
John was a talented Journeyman Carpenter and master cabinet maker. In the latter part of his career, he turned his attention to his passion for building furniture and restoring old organs. He enjoyed fishing, curling, golfing, playing the guitar, accordion and organ. He looked forward to getting together with his brothers to make music. A new love in his life was his great-granddaughter Aubree.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 7:00pm and 8:30pm on Friday, November 23, 2012 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at the COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 – 17 Street, Coaldale, with Reverend Gerald Klassen and Pastor Lillian Thompson, officiating. Internment to following at the Coaldale Cemetery, Mennonite Section.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1W5.
Send condolences at www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 – 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361 Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
www.mbfunerals.com