Jake Friesen of Winnipeg, formerly of Brandon, passed away in his home on May 28th, 2010. Our Dad, grandfather & great grandfather was born on March 3, 1927 on the family farm near Gouldtown, SK. Dad’s early childhood included schooling and playing in the coulees of Saskatchewan. At age 13, the family moved to Grunthal MB by railcar. Within a short time, Dad became a hired hand at the neighbours dairy farm. In 1951, Dad met our mother, Eva Heinrichs in Winnipeg at the bus depot and fell in love. They were married on June 17 of that year. They spent their 1st summer renting at Starbuck, MB. Shortly thereafter, they moved west to the Brandon area. They rented a farm from 1953-1961 and then purchased their farm in the Hayfield district in the Souris community. Seven children came along in the span of 16 years. At the age of 45, Dad went forward at a crusade and dedicated his life to Christ which made big changes to his life and to our family. Dad had smoked from a young age and chose to give up this habit as a result of this new relationship with God. We then began to have daily devotions from the Daily Bread and a verse was read from “the little loaf”. Mom and Dad were quite a strong duo. They farmed in the Hayfield district and after their retirement to Brandon, spent many hours volunteering at the Brandon MCC store. The two of them worked hard and made many life plans together. They enjoyed serving at Grace Mennonite Church and with MCC for 25 years in Brandon. Many evenings were spent playing cards, scrabble and watching the Blue Jays on TV. Friends were very important and they enjoyed visiting with them. He enjoyed the friendship & community of the Vic Wyatt house over the last 10 years. Mom and Dad were faithful in visiting their out of province children and also travelled, particularly enjoying bus tours, Dad taking his last bus tour with his sister in 2005. He took joy in family celebrations particularly Christmas. He was very excited to pass along some Christmas gifts to his children and grandchildren. In 2004, Dad became single again as he would say. His life had changed but his faith remained solid. He had fellowship at the seniors lunch once a month here at Morrow Gospel Church, he was sure to mark it on his calendar. He would continue to play Canasta and Pool at the condo as long as his health allowed him. He had a quiet love of the Lord and in his last week, knew he was going home. He told us that the Lord had been good and he wanted to hear Psalm 23. He was predeceased by his wife, Eva in 2004 his parents, Jacob & Anna Friesen, as well as his brothers, John & Pete and his sisters Eva and Mary. His surviving siblings are David Friesen and Hattie Wieler. Dad will be dearly missed by his 7 children and their families. Vivian (Ernie) Wiebe, Leslie (Dolores) Friesen, Carol (Tom) Wieler, Linda (John) Sawatzky, Marvin (Edith) Friesen, Pat (Al) Fuller, Janet (Daryl) Sawatzky, 22 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. The funeral service was held Tuesday June 1st at 11AM at Morrow Gospel Church, 755 St. Anne's Rd. Winnipeg. Burial at the Mennonite Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive; Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9.