Ernest A. Friesen passed away peacefully on Tuesday August 14, 2012, after a life well lived. He was predeceased by his loving wife Lies (Elizabeth Reimer), sister Anne Goertzen, son-in-law Dave Jamieson and stepson Don Donnelly. He was the beloved husband of Evelyn Donnelly; cherished father of Carol Jamieson and Deborah Tedford (Cam); adored grandfather of David Jamieson (Jen Dillon), Heidi Wiebe and Erin Schwartz (Warren); proud great-grandfather of Steven; caring stepfather of Cheryl Miller (Richard) and Mary Lou, Lyall and Heather Donnelly. Also dearly remembered by sister Marie Funk (Leo) and brother Lawrence (Bunny). Ernie was born in Gretna, Manitoba on October 21, 1917. He graduated from the M.C.I. in Gretna in 1936, and from Winnipeg Normal School in 1937; earning is Bachelor of Arts in 1966. He began his teaching career in Bloomfield, Manitoba in 1937, moving to Plum Coulee in 1941 and arriving in Steinbach in 1946. Like his father before him, he lived a life committed to community service. 42 years in education as school teacher and principal 1937 to 1968; C.O. Air Cadet Corp 1941-1946; Supervising principal Steinbach Elementary Schools 1962-1966; Assistant Superintendent Hanover School Division 1966-1980. He served as chairman of Bethesda Hospital Board from 1954-1979, and was awarded Life Governship Award in 1987. Other service included Chairman of the Eden Mental Health Board; founding member of the Steinbach Lions Club 1974; member of the Manitoba Film Classification Board for 9 years; member of Hanover Teachers Association; Executive secretary-treasurer Steinbach Chamber of Commerce; executive Manitoba Conservative Party; Councilor Town of Steinbach 1980-1986; Mayor of Steinbach 1986-1992; Charter member and council chairman Grace Mennonite Church 1961. Ernie loved to travel abroad and at home, including frequent trips to visit his daughters in Ontario and B.C. He also enjoyed a lifelong interest in music, serving many years as conductor of church and school choirs in Steinbach, and his retirement home in Arizona. Ernie was an inspiration to all who knew him, and we will celebrate his life at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Saturday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. Cremation has taken place. Honorary pallbearers are Cam Tedford, David Jamieson, Warren Schwartz, Steven Dennis, Leo Funk, Garth Reimer, Henry Kasper and Wendi Friesen. Donations in his memory may be made to Bethesda Hospital Foundation, 316 Henry St., Steinbach, MB R5G 0P9 (www.bethesdafoundation.ca)