Vernon (Vern) G. Friesen passed away on May 26, 2009 at the Steinbach Hospital after an eight year battle with Progressive Super-Nuclear Palsy (a form of Parkinson’s disease). He was 69 years old. Left to celebrate Vern’s life are his wife of 40 years Phyllis, his son Reynold Friesen (Tammy Sawatzky) and his daughter Sandra (Eric) Dyck and his grandsons Caleb, Jacob and Jesse. Also surviving him are his siblings George (Louise) Friesen, sister-in-law Elvira Friesen, Sara (Peter) Friesen, Henry (Helen) Friesen, Annelie (Henry) Enns; Phyllis’ sisters Dorothy (Leonard) Penner, Elaine (Ken) Loewen, Janet (Dave) Penner, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Vern was predeceased by his parents Gerhard and Sara Friesen of Morden, brother Wiegand Friesen, and mother and father-in–law, Ed and Gertrude Hiebert. Vernon G. Friesen was born February 19, 1940 in Clearwater, Manitoba. The youngest of six he has many fond memories of growing up on the farm near Mountain City. At the age of 19 he was baptized at the Morden Bergthaler Mennonite Church. Vern was introduced to Phyllis Hiebert by a mutual friend and they were married on September 6, 1969 in Plum Coulee. They settled in Winnipeg and purchased their first home on Roseberry Street. It was while living here Reynold was born in 1971. After a few years they moved to a new home on Cass Street where the family grew when Sandra joined them in 1980. The Cass Street home holds a special place in the family, as this is where they shared many wonderful years all together. Family, faith and work were the three things that Vern held dear. The family went on many memorable trips together including Expo ‘86, Florida, Wisconsin Dells, the Southern States, the Black Hills and numerous other camping experiences with their tent trailer. Vern was an entrepreneur throughout his life, which lead him into a variety of ventures. After moving to the city and saving enough money Vern purchased his first canteen truck and slowly built up a small fleet. Vern sold the catering business and moved onto his next venture, car washes. This is where he spent the bulk of his working life, mainly at the Nairn Avenue location. In 1991, Vern felt it was time to sell and move onto to something new which led him into the woodcraft business. In the summer of 1995 Vern and Phyllis moved to Steinbach area and began a new chapter in their lives. In the Steinbach area Vern continued woodworking, began operating a broiler chicken barn, and ran another canteen truck. In 2000, Vern felt it was time to slow down; they moved off the farm and built a house in Steinbach. Vern included his wife and family in all these business ventures, many memories are shared working alongside him. A quiet man who let the work of his hands do most of his talking, Vern was never shy to lend a hand to those in need; whether helping out at church, volunteering on Mennonite Disaster Service, serving a Christmas meal at an inner city mission or making borscht for the Mennonite Central Committee sale. He was a quiet man whose deep inner faith in Jesus Christ helped direct his life. The family would like to thank Dr. Minnaar and all the healthcare staff who assisted in his care the past few years. As well, thank you to all those who took time to visit and read to Vern, your companionship is something he appreciated. Thank you to the many who offered your prayer and support to Vern and his family. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr, Steinbach on Friday, May 29, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral will be held at Grace Mennonite Church, 430 Third St, Steinbach on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with a fellowship meal to follow. Burial will be at Mennonite Memorial Gardens, Winnipeg. Donations can be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive; Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9.