Obituary of Arthur Friesen

To watch the recording of the service, click this link: 

https://video.ibm.com/embed/recorded/132684352

Arthur Ernest Friesen

September 29, 1943  -  March 24, 2023
 

It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our father, grandfather & great-grandfather.

Arthur Ernest Friesen was born in Saskatoon on September 29, 1943, to Abram and Mathilda Friesen. He grew up in Hague, where he learned to play hockey and ball. He loved hockey from an early age, and he practiced his shot every chance he got.

He met his high school sweetheart, Eileen Wagner, while going to school in Hague. They were married on July 6, 1963. They were blessed with three children, Bonnie, Cary and Brent.

In 1975 he purchased the lumber yard in Hague. Arthur helped grow the business before selling it and moving on to a successful career at Timberlane Wholesale Lumber. After that he sold lumber through his own company, E&A Sales. He was an awesome salesman, but more importantly, he was an honest man who was trusted and respected.

Arthur played ball and hockey for many years. When he was done playing, he turned to coaching. Many league and provincial championships were won under his leadership. In 1988 Arthur received the Government of Canada medal for outstanding coaching. He was very proud of this accomplishment.

Arthur enjoyed all the trips he and Eileen took over the years and the winters they spent in Arizona, Palm Springs and Florida. Recently he read the logbook Eileen had kept of all their trips and he said “We had such a great life together.”

Arthur loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren more than anything. His one wish was that he would live to see them grow up, and he was so proud of the young men and women they have become.

Arthur was a kind and generous man. He would buy coffee and lunch for people in need, loved talking to people and making new friends. He could go to any coffee shop anywhere, and within a few days he would have a new group of coffee buddies.

Arthur was a man of faith, and always put his trust in God. He was shaken by Eileen’s diagnosis, followed by his own, but he accepted God’s plan for him. He missed Eileen so much; now they are together again.

Arthur was an avid sports fan. He loved watching the Blue Jays, Leafs, and Riders. He and Eileen spent a lot of time attending their grandchildren’s activities, including hockey, basketball, and karate, which he really enjoyed.

He is lovingly remembered and will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Bonnie (Bruce), Cody (Meagan), Crew, and Brett Pongracz; Cary Friesen; Brent (Angela) Friesen, Raquel (Jeff), Payten, Charli, Madden, Cooper and Carter Caffet and Tayler Friesen.

He was predeceased by his wife Eileen Friesen, his parents Abram and Mathilda Friesen, in-laws George and Esther Wagner, brothers-in-laws Ed Janzen and Dick Serack, sister-in-law Donna Suranyi, nephew Lyle Janzen and niece Kylee Wagner.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice at Glengarda or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Funeral Services will take place on Friday, March 31 at 11:00 am at Redeemer Lutheran Church, followed by a reception at the church prior to interment at the Hague Cemetery. The Service will be livestreamed and the link can be accessed at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com where condolences may also be left for the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.