Tribute

Henry was born in Aberdeen, Saskatchewan to Abram and Margaret Friesen, the 2nd of 9 children.
As a young boy, he spoke German only at home, not learning English until he attended school, as was common with the Mennonites of that area. Henry attended school until the completion of grade 8.
At age 13 he began working at a neighbouring farm to contribute to the family income.
When he was 19, Henry’s family moved from Saskatchewan to Mission, B.C. He was unwilling to leave behind his beloved horses Tex and Bill, and so convinced his father to allow him to fashion a covered wagon, and bring his horses to the West Coast from the Prairies, with the journey taking him 3 months.
In October 1943, Henry was voluntarily inducted into the Royal Canadian Air Force and served his country in WWII, being discharged in September 1945, once Armistice was achieved.
Henry married the love of his life, Irma Braun, on June 30, 1948 in Mission B.C. In 1952, they relocated to Manning, Alberta with 4 children. They homesteaded there, clearing the treed ½ section, producing a farm from wild land. While there, 5 more children were added to the family.
In 1971, the family moved back to the Fraser Valley, farming 32 acres of raspberries. They left the farming life in 1988.
Henry was an active member of the communities he lived in, as well as the churches he attended, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a hard worker with a very generous heart. His Lord and family were everything to him.
Henry passed into the glorious presence of his Lord and Saviour on January 20, 2012, with most of his children at his side. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Irma, his youngest son Ron, his parents and numerous siblings.
Henry is survived by his children, Donna Ferriss (Vern), Cecile Friesen, Geraldine Rook (Roger), Vern Friesen (Karyn), Mel Friesen (Evelyn), Deb Wright (Ed), Tom Friesen, and Patty Stone (Phil) as well as 39 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 4 siblings and a multitude of extended family.
The Lord has blessed us in both the life and passing of our dearly loved father – Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
A memorial service will be held at Clearbrook MB Church at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2012.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Henry Friesen’s honour, to Samaritan’s Purse. The family wishes to thank the staff of ValHaven for the care and love they have shown to our father for the past 4 years.