ALVIN JOHN FRIESEN

Alvin John Friesen, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, passed away peacefully at Concordia Hospital on November 7, 2024.

Al (as he liked to be called) is survived by his 3 children, Tanya Smart, Laura Anderson, and Paul Friesen, 4 grandchildren, Rylynn, Emmett, Charles, and Marlow, sons and daughter in law, sisters and brothers, many nieces and nephews, and former spouse Marie. Al is predeceased by his parents John and Mary Friesen and his sister Leona Friesen.

Al was born in the small town of Herbert, Saskatchewan on October 28, 1943. Al was raised as part of a large Mennonite family with 8 siblings. He spent a lot of his childhood in Ste. Anne, Manitoba and was the eldest of nine children. Al became fluent in both English and French and spoke a bit of low German as well.

Al was independent at a young age and had an amazing work ethic all of his life. Al worked at Jackson Corporation for close to 30 years before starting and running a successful independent business for several years before his retirement. Al also completed some drafting courses at Red River College and later developed the blueprints and designs for a custom home that he built for his family. Al was a highly intelligent man and had a knack for problem solving.

Al enjoyed his years keeping active at the Wellness Center where he made some close friends. Al loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, family and friends and always loved ‘special talks’. Al also enjoyed fishing, curling, walking, crossword puzzles, gardening, barbequing, cooking, and outdoor activities. Al loved his walks in nature, particularly at Kildonan Park. Al became quite the pit master on the barbeque and loved working on the next home project. Al was a fantastic handyman from building decks to installing flooring to fixing just about anything. Just before retirement, Al took some ballroom dancing classes and really honed his dance skills. Al was passionate about dancing in his later years and it was something that made him proud.

Al was an avid traveller for most of his life which included international travel to Europe and many family vacations to various places in Canada and the United States. After retirement, Al was a snowbird and travelled to Arizona during the winter months for several years. He also really enjoyed his time spent in Mexico. Al stated that Mesa, Arizona and Cancun, Mexico were his happy places.

Al was always willing to offer help when needed and he touched many lives with his kindness and generosity. Al will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Boniface Hospital and Concordia Hospital for their care in Al’s last few weeks. 

A celebration of life will be held for Al Friesen at 2:00pm on November 27, 2024 at 603 Wellington Crescent (First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke foundation in Al’s name.

Al’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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