Obituary of Jacob Friesen

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jake L. Friesen on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Boundary Trails Health Centre at the age of 88 years following the loss of his wife and soulmate, Tina, just five days earlier.

Jake was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He will be forever missed by three sons, Harv (Joyce), Larry (Karen), Don (Cheryl) and one daughter Judy. He dearly loved his eight grandchildren and partners: Cameron (Marie), Laura (Anthony), Todd, Ryan, Jennifer (Ralph), Meagan (Brent), Cassie (Dustin) and Vanessa (James) and his seven great-grandchildren: Brody, Dawson, Ethan, Liam, Calleigh, Abigail and Josh. Jake is also survived by one sister Tina (Peter) Hildebrand and one sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary and Jake Koop.

Dad was born in Steinbach on August 14, 1932 to parents Jacob K. and Anna Friesen.  Dad was predeceased first by his mother Anna (Loeppky) Friesen in 1936, then his father Jacob K. Friesen, his stepmother Eva (Penner) Friesen, three brothers William L. Friesen, Abraham L. Friesen, Peter L. Friesen and one sister Helen Hiebert.

Jake married his sweetheart Tina on July 18, 1954.  Within a year they settled on a farmyard not far from where he grew up. Here they raised their four children. Dad had great drive and determination that served him well throughout his entire life. He worked long, hard days on the farm but always made time for his family. He loved doing fun things with the family, such as quick trips to the beach during some free time, or better yet, a weekend camping trip. Winter months brought many fun snowmobile adventures and taking in local hockey games. He loved every aspect of farm life and took pride in building his farm into a successful operation which he passed on to the next generations. One of his happiest places on earth was behind the wheel of a combine at harvest. Upon retirement and a move to a new home, he took real pride in establishing a beautiful yard and helping Mom create a new bountiful garden. Even when they downsized to a condo in later years, no one could compete with his knack of having the biggest and best tomato plants around. Dad always had a sense of adventure, from going downhill skiing in the Colorado Mountains in his 60’s to waterskiing on his 70^th birthday.  Dad’s drive and ambition remained strong throughout his entire life. We witnessed it every day as he continued to enjoy life to the fullest, remaining fiercely independent and committed in all aspects of life.

Dad often stated he had a great life. He loved his farm, his family, his friends and his faith. For thirty-five years his winter home in Arizona brought him great joy. He so looked forward to their departure every fall to enjoy a warmer climate and all the adventures it would bring.  Some of Dad’s favourite winter activities included motorcycle rides and cookouts in the desert with friends, taking part in shuffleboard tournaments in their park, playing a round of golf with friends or family and, of course, the Friday night dances with his loving partner Tina. Upon their return every spring, life was equally as good when they could spend more time with family and enjoy time at their Falcon Lake cottage. We don’t know if we ever saw Dad with a bigger smile than when he was out for a cruise on his jet ski or when basking in the sun on his lounger. He thoroughly enjoyed taking Mom out fishing in recent years where she always seemed to catch the big one. Over the years he and Mom enjoyed travelling to many wonderful destinations that included Hawaii, a motorhome trip to Alaska and another to the Maritimes, as well as a cruise through the Panama Canal. He loved playing games, especially cards, which is something Mom & Dad continued to do every single day after every single meal.  Dad continued to enjoy coffee with friends when he could, watch sports on TV, but he especially loved the frequent drives to the field with Mom every spring, summer and fall.

Dad remained a pillar of strength to the end and even though we are all heartbroken he is gone, we are grateful he is in his final resting place with Mom once again at his side. Rest in peace, dear Dad.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all of the medical staff at Boundary Trails Health Centre for such compassionate care in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jake & Tina Friesen’s name to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

A private family graveside service will be held for both Mom and Dad with a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date.