Obituary of John Friesen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Peter Friesen on August 25, 2019 at the age of 76 years. John is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years Trudy Friesen (n. Pimiskern) his loving son David Michael Friesen and niece Paula Pimiskern who was like their third daughter. Also survived by his sisters Hilda ( Peter Sawatsky), Rita (Rudy Penner), and Mary( Ernie Koop). Predeceased by his daughters Suzanne 2013, Sandra 2018 and parents Peter and Marie Friesen. Many nieces and nephews, colleagues and friends will sorely miss him. John grew up in Leamington on his parent’s farm. Being the youngest and only son he learned at an early age the meaning of responsibility and hard work. After graduating from Leamington District Secondary School he pursued his post-secondary education at the Western Ontario Institute of Technology and graduated in the field of Mechanical Engineering. This turned out to be a natural calling as John possessed a logical and brilliant mind. This was first evident when at age four he dismantled his bicycle and was tasked with quickly reassembling it before his father returned home. This was not a problem for young John. “Piece a Cake” as John would say. Shortly after graduating, John married Trudy and together they had three children close in age. He continued his work in the field of hydraulics and pneumatics as a businessman and co-owner in Cole Hydraulics with his partners. Raising three children, along with running a successful business was challenging, but with the support of a wonderful wife and family he managed to achieve a rewarding and successful career. John eventually retired to live happily on the shores of Lake Erie at Sturgeon Cove Yacht Club which he maintained and co-owned with nephew Walt. John was no ordinary man. He was a multifaceted character, enigmatic and cryptic in his nature. He was tenacious, persistent, stubborn and subscribed to the principle that “failure was not an option”. He lived by his own rules. Yet at the same time he was generous, loyal, fun loving and would be the first to lend a hand or miraculously construct some gizmo that would fix whatever needed fixing or improving. His memory was without parallel and he had a mind for detail that was equally amazing. John was also well known for his unique sense of humor and his equally hearty laugh. “Johnisms”, as they became known as, were quips he used frequently and that his friends and family use to this day. Some of his favourites were, “Switching channels” .. when he wanted to change the subject, and if you heard him refer to you as “babycakes” you could be certain that you had invoked his ire in some fashion. “Piece a Cake” was not only the name of his boat but a saying when a solution seemed to be obvious. “Carry on “, “Whatever”, and “ Toodles” were staples. John also loved dogs and had many over his lifetime. He enjoyed boating with friends and family, loved his truck, his tools and garage and was a loyal Detroit sports fan, They will win sooner or later .. “piece a cake” Years of heavy physical work took its toll on John. Back surgery and multiple health problems culminated in a series of events which eventually resulted in admission to the Sun Parlour Home in Leamington. This was a difficult transition for John but true to form he managed to control his life without missing a beat. Over the five years at the home his health deteriorated but John was always unfazed and firm in his course. Facing an urgent and daunting procedure at the hospital emergency room he gave his consent, as only he could, by quipping with a thumbs up , “ let’s shoot the rapids”. A new “Johnism” was instantly born. However, still marching to the beat of his own drum, John returned to Sun Parlour for his final days, choosing to control his own destiny. This was the man his family and friends loved, admired, and respected. He lived and died a proud man with integrity and dignity. For John Friesen the words, “I did it my way” will forever ring true. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to all the staff at the Sun Parlour Home for their ongoing patience, understanding ,compassion and kindness to John and the support for his family. Special thanks to those friends, family, and folks who visited and helped enhance the quality of John’s Life. And finally, as per John and his family’s wishes and big thank you to the road crew, first responders and WRH who helped to save his life July10,2019. In lieu of a funeral, cremation arrangements have been entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE CREMATION CENTRE (519-254-2585) and the family has chosen to honour John’s life with a Legacy Gift that will enhance the lives of others. Donations can be made to the Southwestern Ontario Gleaners, 40 Industrial Dr., Leamington N8H 4W4. Swogleaners.ca. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at simplechoicecremation.ca.