On Monday, July 23, 2007, Reverend Ben Friesen passed away at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach after a short and courageous battle with cancer. His memory will be cherished by Henrietta, his wife of 57 years; son Mervin and wife Eunice, grandsons Brendan, Christopher, and Patrick; son Lyndon and wife Bonnie, grandsons Carter and Jackson; daughter Marlylles and husband Gordon, grandsons Nathan, Andrew, Michael, and Jeremy; daughter Sheri and husband Christopher, granddaughters Aidyn and Ella. Dad was a faithful servant and followed God’s leading into a life of ministry. His early years of service were spent with the Western Gospel Mission, pastoring churches in Saskatchewan. This was followed with service at the Steinbach Bible Institute, pastoring in Winnipeg, administration with the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, and hospital chaplaincy. Dad’s strong character, his loving compassion, and his commitment to the Lord’s service were a testimony of his faith and helped him build lasting friendships he would always treasure. Dad’s richest blessing was his sweetheart, Henrietta. Together, God blessed them with two sons, two daughters, and eleven grandchildren. He was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, emanating the love of Christ in all he did and to everyone he met. His legacy is one of sincere compassion for others, an absolute love for his family, and his unfailing dedication to the Lord’s service. We praise God for the time we were given with Dad, and we rejoice that he was called home to be with his Father in heaven.