We Remember
FRIESEN, Victor
April 5, 1926 — August 9, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father Victor David Friesen. Our dad was born April 5, 1926 in Adelsheim, Russia and passed away August 9, 2020 in Kelowna, British Columbia.
It was his happy lot in life to be surrounded by women; he was the oldest child of Anna and David Friesen with 6 younger sisters, and after marrying Mary Bartel in 1954 he was blessed with 5 daughters.
His teen years were spent in Russia escaping communism by moving his mother and siblings to Germany. In 1948, he immigrated to Canada supported by family and the MCC in hopes of providing a better life for his mother and sisters with a destination of Winnipeg. After several temporary jobs that took him across Canada, he helped settle his mother and sisters in Kelowna. Unable to find steady employment he moved to Ontario in 1953 and started working for the Ford Motor Company; first in Windsor and then in Oakville. It was then that he realized that he had left his love behind in Kelowna. Mom and dad were married in Kelowna on April 25, 1954, and lived in Burlington, Ontario. There, they raised their family for the next 20 years. Because of a promise dad had made to our mom, he moved the family back to Kelowna in 1974. They built a home in Oyama and established a retail shoe business until he retired in the fall of 1988.
His retirement years were spent doing the things he loved: playing cards, story telling, visiting with friends, volunteering with MCC and numerous trips to Sycamous. Through the years he drew people to himself with his sense of humour and funny stories which included owning a goat farm. Dad valued family and loved the times when we could all be together. Dad is survived by Mary (née Bartel), his wife of 66 years. He will be missed by his 5 daughters and their spouses; 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; 5 surviving sisters; and many nieces and nephews, family and friends.
A special thank-you to Sun Pointe for the support you provided our father in his final years.
A Private Celebration of life will be held to honour Victor. The family would like to invite all who would like to pay their respects to join by Livestream on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 4:00 pm. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
THIS SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED/BROADCAST ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020 AT 4:00 PM.
So much love for Uncle Vic. You will be so missed for everything that you have done for the family, and all the joy you brought the family. Thank you for all you have done to help your family and for your huge heart. Love you forever <3
I knew your dad as Uncle Vic and fondly remember the times our families spent together. May all your memories be blessings as you live without him and remember!
Our condolences to the family. No matter what the age it’s alway tough to lose a beloved family member. Many fond memories. R. I.P. Uncle Vic. Love John and Diane
”When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me. I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?”
Thoughts and prayers are extended to the sisters and daughters of Vic Friesen and their families.
We will miss Vic a lot, He was a great and long-time friend! Aufwiedersehen – till we meet again!! Arthur and Annie Heinrichs
We were not able to meet very many times but when we did it was always a delightful time. Your father was so friendly, kind and full of stories and smiling. So easy to love, We are sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories. God bless you. Marlyn and Nettie
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending much love to the family. Love Henry and Christie Bartel
Vic was Alan’s best friend. We always enjoyed our visits with Vic and Mary when we would come to Kelowna. Remembering the family in prayer. Sorry for your loss Alan is probably enjoying his visit with Vic in Heaven. Helen
We wish to extend our condolences to all of Vic’s family members. Vic will be missed by many who enjoyed his company, his wonderful sense of humour and his kindness to all.
Uncle Dick and Auntie Pat
I remember Uncle Vic’s sense of humour, gentle spirit and warmth. As a shy young girl, he always made me feel welcome to his and Aunt Mary’s home. I loved to visit. I remember him saying “There’s nothing more beautiful than the moon over Oyama.” Much love to your family at this sad time.
Love,
Lori & Family
Thank you for your kind words. Dad always thought Oyama was the banana belt of the Okanagan ❤️
Uncle Vic will be greatly missed. Thank you for live-streaming his farewell. It was so wonderful to hear your memories and his story in his own words. He is at peace and it is wonderful to know that he is rejoicing in heaven as it is well with his soul. Much love to you all, Lil
My condolences to the family. I remember Vick’s dry sense of humour. At one time Vic mentioned that I was his favourite brother-in-law to the consternation
Our condolences to the family. I always enjoyed his sense of humour. We enjoyed the hospitality given by Vic and Mary over the years.