An Honorable Man,

First I would like to introduce myself, my name is Kelly Gorzen and I'm a retired Secretary Treasurer/Principal Officer with the Teamsters Union in Winnipeg.

I met Dennis shortly after his employment began at Aeroguard. As time went on Dennis impressed me with his willingness to help others whether or not he was a Shop Steward - he had a profound sense of fairness. Of course he soon earned the respect of his coworkers and was elected Steward.

Dennis served in many capacities, and excelled in them all, in addition to being a Steward he served on the Local Union Executive Board for a time and was a strong voice for workers not only in the area of pre board screeners but for all members.

Dennis was a valued member of the Union and especially valued member of the negotiating team where his knowledge of the workplace, practises and procedures was at times critical to improved representation - he did all this with little fanfare.

Dennis as they say was one of the good ones, gone far to soon. He will be missed.

God Bless Dennis

I'll always remember Dennis as kind, funny, smart, wise, thoughtful, and most of all, inspirational. I considered him a mentor of mine who I respect deeply for his critical thinking skills and strategic approach to the challenges I confided in him. Dennis also never hesitated to encourage me to strive for greatness in all aspects of my life. We also joked around a lot whenever we got the chance. Dennis was the only one I've ever allowed to make fun of me for being short. And this is because deep down, I knew he was a genuinely good person who I respected and felt comfortable being vulnerable with.

To me, what truly set Dennis apart was the way he spoke about his beloved wife, Marilyn, and how incredibly beautiful she is, inside and out. His admiration for her was evident in the conversations we had together. At times, he was at a loss for words when he spoke about her, but his expressions and demeanor reflected the depth of his love and respect for her, and his entire family overall. I will always remember those moments, as they conveyed the level of love he had for the people he cared most about in this world.

Thank you for being a guiding light in all of our lives. You made a significant impact on my life, Dennis. You're with Jesus in Heaven now. May God bless your soul and your entire family. They gained a remarkably strong and loving guardian angel in you that will look over them, always.

My deepest condolences to Dennis's families. I work with Dennis for 18 years. The many years we worked he had shared so many stories and wisdom, We've always giggled about it how work had so much characters and action, he can write a comedy script and it would be a big hit. Dennis was like Yoda he was so wise and had answers to everything. What a blessing to have known you my dearest friend. I will miss and cherish all the time we shared. Thank you always being so kind You are truly an inspiration to us all. Every night in our passing at work, no matter how tired I am, you remind me "It"s a great day to be alive",

I missed you my Friend,

My sincere condolences to Dennis’ loved ones.

Getting to spend the last few years working around someone that was so wonderfully positive was a joy. I never once saw Dennis without a smile on his face. He had no shortage of interesting things to talk about and had a way to make you feel comfortable and welcomed at his table without even trying. He was a selfless person willing to give you the shirt (or epaulette in my case) off his back. I will always remember you this way Dennis. Rest easy friend.

My deepest condolences and heartfelt love for you Dennis and all your loved ones.

Being a newer employee, sometimes you don't know who you can go to and trust to get information or advice. Dennis always offered his wisdom, humour, anecdotes, advice etc....whether it was a serious issue at work, or just the mundane complaints about traffic, weather.

Anytime you had an opportunity to share a moment with Dennis was precious! I loved it when I got to banter back and forth with Dennis, mostly friendly jabs, insults and laughs.

He was so humble, yet would reassure you that any problem or issue he would offer you his help. We were talking about movies, books etc....and he randomly showed me on his phone the book had written and published. I was so thankful he shared that with me. I now own this treasured literature and will share your soul and kindness as I discover the journey of the read.

I love to listen to music and Dennis always had his music blasting in the lunchroom which made my day as he was our own personal DJ!

I will miss you my friend and I will put my best Dennis out there in all aspects of my life for you! Rest in Peace brother.

III

Rest In Paradise, Dennis. You will be forever missed. My deepest condolences to his beautiful family, friends, and loved ones. I am so thankful to have shared moments with you at work. When I first started at YWG airport, there were times I had to take the bus home. I remember one especially cold winter night after our shift when Dennis and I got on the 15 together. We got off downtown, and while I waited for my ride, Dennis stayed with me until my boyfriend arrived. I offered him a ride home, but he kindly declined, he was just happy to know I was safe. I'll never forget that. Dennis, you were such a beautiful and generous soul. Thank you for all the wisdom you shared with me. You were so knowledgable. I am heartbroken that you left us too soon.

I wish all of us cousins would have stayed as close as we were as kids. We grew apart but I had the picture of a day at Grandma and Grandpa's home to look at and remember, Rest in peace, cousin.

Our family is getting too small since you left. You were such a big part of our lives that without you there is definitely a huge space. I look forward to you meeting me for that hug you promised me.

Our hearts are saddened by the news of Dennis' passing. I remember him as a good natured, thoughtful and kind man. I'm grateful for the interactions he had both with Wade and I as well as our kids. May you be comforted in your grief by the embrace of family and friends, and the accompanying presence of the Holy Spirit.

My sincere condolences to the entire Friesen family, friends and all who loved him. I've had the pleasure of knowing Dennis throughout the many years working at the Winnipeg airport. Dennis was always kind, warm and generous of spirit. He was a larger than life presence and will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace.

So many good memories of our childhood days. I was so excited to see Dennis at the Winnipeg Airport after so many years of not seeing each other. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. A special hug to Connie and Janet.

Dennis, tho I am a first cousin of yours, I never met you. I must you certainly resemble our Friesen grandfather a great deal and from all reports you were a fine man. My sincere condolences to your wife and family and your sisters and their family. Irma Loeppky MacDonald

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Dennis's family and friends. He will surely be missed by all who knew and loved him..

As a former coworker, I met Dennis 15 years ago. My first impression of Dennis was, wow what a big person! However it was soon after that I came to realize Dennis was a big teddy bear. He was a very kind, thoughtful, generous and knowledgeable individual.

While working together I enjoyed our many conversations on the topics of religion, travel, union business, Jazz music, writing and more. I was delighted when Dennis told me that he was working on writing a book and could not wait to see and read his end results.

Last year before I retired from Garda I purchased Dennis's novel, 'The War Nobody Started' for my Dad to read (out in British Columbia). which he thoroughly enjoyed. My Dad then passed the book back to me to read as we are both avid spy, crime, thriller readers. I was so delighted to see that Dennis's passion for writing paid off.

His novel shows the talent for writing which Dennis held. 'The War Nobody Started' is a mixture of fact and fiction spy,,war time novel with many characters to follow within and I recommend others to read.

Fast forward to this year, I was planning on meeting up with Dennis again so that he could sign his book for me the next time I traveled through the Winnipeg airport. Unfortunately and with a heavy heart I did not have that opportunity to meet up with Dennis again. However I will remember you Dennis, your kind nature, your wonderful smile and our many conversations.

Farewell my friend, and thank you for the many fond and fun memories we shared in our workplace

Rest In Peace.

I first met Dennis when our company was still Aeroguard, and Dennis was working at a kiosk as a sales rep in the departures area of the old terminal. I would stop to chat with him in passing as he had such a pleasant and friendly disposition, and I encouraged him to apply as a screening officer, and he did so we became colleagues and friends. Dennis was an inquisitive, intellectual type person, very introspective and intellectual type thinking individual. He was quite knowledgable on various subjects and topics. I recall him being an excellent Shop Steward who faithfully and diligently executed his duties to the best of his ability regardless if he had a personal conflict or issue with a particular Screening Officer as he would represent that person to ensure fairness and unbiased treatment in his representation of that person. My favorite memory of Dennis is of his generosity towards others. I recall a conversation where we were at an NPS location and we were discussing religion, and I mentioned to him my difficulties in understanding some scriptures in the King James Version of the Bible. A few days later, he presented me with a modern day translation version of the Bible, which I so very much appreciated. I am a cancer survivor, and when I entered the hospital to receive a medical transplant procedure where I was quarantined for a month, I had with me in the hospital the Bible that Dennis gave me. It gave me great comfort, and now it holds special value to me as it was the last real interaction that I had with Dennis. My deepest and most sincere condolences to Dennis's family and friends as we grieve and mourn his sudden and tragic passing. Dennis, my dear friend, you will be truly missed by all who knew and loved you. May you rest in peace.🙏

When we worked NPST together we talked about travel and the book you were writing. You were looking for a people to read your draft copy before going to a publisher. Dennis I wish I would have read your book then and had a chance to talk to you about it but I'm going to read it now. You were a kind man with a gift for words and a humourous wit that always made me laugh. I will miss you Dennis. Rest in peace my friend.

Dennis you were a great man through and through. Always had a smile on your face and something inspirational to say. It was impossible not to smile when you saw him, even if you were having a bad day. You were a light and breath of fresh air at work, and in life in general. You will forever be truly missed by all! ❤️

Dennis is so loved and always will be. It is never easy hearing this type of news.. especially of someone you've grown to share a connection with. He always believed in me, never let me feel like a burden when I was unpacking my insecurities and in depth thoughts. He listened, gave the best advice he could and allowed me to feel my emotions. He never shunned me away. He was always rooting for me and others. Always made me feel seen. He encouraged me in the most empathetic ways, and gave me space to come to him when I was ready to tackle my issues. Was always a positive soul whenever I passed by him🥹 I'll never forget the memories we made and the heartfelt encouraging messages he left me with. May he rest in eternal peace, cheers to you Dennis. I can't thank you enough♥️ You've taught me so much about life. As you said, "Be a blessing to each other. And remember, it’s a great day to be alive!"

Will do my best to embody this beautiful message. You're right Dennis, it's truly a great day to be alive♥️

I am still reeling over hearing the news of Dennis' passing this morning at church. Deepest sympathies to you Marilyn as well as to the rest of his family and friends. I remember recently working with Dennis on a committee at church. I also remember attending an adult Sunday School class that he taught years ago. Thank-you Dennis for your instruction, the things I learned from you, and for your and Marilyn's hospitality.

He was a good soul. Everytime i saw him at work, he was always positive and we shared many chats about books and philosophy. When i was a new employe, he made sure to give me a safe space by talking and sharing positive energy. Rest in Peace Dennis.

Dennis is so greatly missed. He provided so many of us with the open safe space to share your feelings and thoughts. He always knew the right thing to say, and his beliefs showed so much empathy I always felt deeply seen by him. We shared many bus rides home together and I miss seeing his face everyday. I'm so thankful to have known Dennis. Lots of love friend

I worked with Dennis for past 14 years. He was such a kind, caring man who always made me feel welcome when I first started

As years past, Dennis became very much a father figure to me, full of advice and compassion no matter the issue. He always made feel better and no matter how awful I was feeling I never walked away from him without a smile on my face. I loved his wild hair haha! And whenever he got a haircut I loved shouting at him " Mr Friesen you got a haircut! You looking so young, cute and fresh!" Literally the last thing I said to him as he walked to the podium at work about a month ago :( 😞

Dennis and I shared the love for travelling and music, especially Jazz and blues music. I loved all our conservation that we had about these topics. On a recent trip to Memphis, my husband and I went to a live blues show and the man playing looked JUST like Dennis! I sent him the video and asked him if he had finally retired and moved to Memphis hahaha! He replied, laughing saying that it would have been his dream! I will try to share this video on here if possible.

I will miss this man tremendously on a personal and professional level.

May you rest in peace Mr Friesen. I love you.

Michelle

Over the years Dennis has been a ear that was always willing to listen and had great wealth of knowledge, he and I have spent a many of years working together and had lots of fun ins at poker table. I will always cherish his spirit and his ability to put a smile on my face. He was like my work dad, encouraging me in different ways to help with coworkers and have great ideas how to make our workplace better.

Miss you lots friend,

Brick