Obituary of Niel Friesen

J. Niel Friesen, age 70, of Steinbach, MB, passed away peacefully as his family held him on Friday, August 20, 2021, at Bethesda Regional Health Center.

He is survived by his beloved wife Becky Friesen, two daughters Caroline (Ashton) and Jessica (Alexi), one son Andrew (Miranda), and eight grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his parents Peter and Agatha Friesen, one brother and one sister.

If you would wander outside Niel’s and Becky’s place, you would doubtless find him hard at work—smelling of warm wood and tractor grease, sawdust caught in the curls of his forearms, and an easy chuckle ready on his lips. His hands were thick and capable, and weathered to show he worked hard, even though his days were spent at a desk as Senior Estimator at Mid Canada Millwork. His mind was sharp with a knack for numbers. With a squint and a slight hunch in his shoulders, and maybe a hand at the side of his chin, he would consider any question or problem posed to him with fairness and honesty.

Born in St. Pierre, Niel’s family soon moved to Steinbach and started their family business Friesen Greenhouse. As a young boy, Niel spent many days working in the nursery along with his siblings. And sometimes he could be found quietly cleaning up in the kitchen while his mother was out, to help relieve her burdens. This continued his whole life long: Niel, standing at the sink, methodically cleaning dish after dish, insisting he enjoyed the quiet time. As a young man, Niel obtained his pilot’s license. He found joy in the air and in the feeling of being suspended and free. And he found delight in making his young wife squeal and grip the bottom of her seat with any sudden dip or turn.

Niel enjoyed puzzling very much—often found bent over the scattering of pieces, whistling or humming softly. He would make small comments to whomever would sit down beside to help, thinking these comments much funnier than they were, which truly was the funniest part. His presence was calm and demanded nothing. If he saw a need and could fill it, he would. A man of steady faith, found without fail with his Bible at the breakfast table, the golden page edges dull from use. We all relied on him. We always knew that, if all else failed, Niel was there.

He truly was one of the strongest, steadiest, gentlest, humblest, loyalest, and unintentionally funniest men we will ever know. He loved well and was dearly loved.

Cremation has taken place.

A meet & greet with the family will take place Friday, August 27, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.