We Remember

FRIESEN, Henry Peter – Service UPDATED

May 15, 1933 — July 15, 2023

A Memorial for Henry and June Friesen will be held on SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2024, at 1:00 PM, at RUTLAND LIONS PARK, 175 Gray Road, Kelowna, BC (behind the Willow Park Church, close to their apartment and the Rutland Plaza Mall (Save on Foods) just off highway 33 in Kelowna). Bring your stories, and a lawn chair, there will be time to visit and have a coffee after as well.

As promised, we still plan to have a memorial for mom and dad, Henry and June Friesen. A gathering of friends and family, a time for stories and celebrations of lives that touched those around them in many ways. Covid stopped us once, a wildfire the second time, but now in spring we will go forward with eyes closed to any disasters, and enjoy the day no matter what.

Henry Peter Friesen was born in Winona, ON, May 15, 1933. The family were pioneer settlers in the new Mennonite community in Niagara, Ontario. His mom, Susie, doted on him as her “sweet Heinz”. Their dad worked hard to provide in those difficult early years, and Henry speaks of him as strict, but deeply faithful to God. Henry grew up on a 10 acre fruit farm and attended Virgil Public school 1939-1947, then Eden High school till 1951.

To quote Dad, “God in his great love and mercy saved me at the early age of eleven.” He credits the prayers and example of godly parents. As he and June later had children, I believe this was his example for his own family. He was baptized Aug 8, 1948, and joined Virgil MB (Mennonite Brethren) Church.

Next, Henry went to Eden Bible school and then to Ryerson Technical College. He received education as an Electrical Engineer technician, but his heart was always elsewhere. In Toronto, ON, he writes “my spiritual horizon and vision enlarged to include the whole world”. From then, sprinkled through his writings, are mentions of the joy of leading others to the Lord.

Henry met and married M. June Enns at MBBC (Mennonite Brethren Bible College) in Winnipeg, MB. They were married 62 years (1958-2020). Henry and June had three children: Pearl, Paul, and Bruce/Casper. As we grew, I can testify to the love and warmth of the home they created. God was always centre, and I have many great memories of family times, trips, and church activities, as well as nightly reading sessions, and those-not-so-appreciated times of correction.

In 1984, Henry and June were called to go to Neuberg, Germany to work with MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) and refugees. Henry speaks of the voices God used to move him to accept this. Bruce’s question, “Dad, are you happy in your Christian life?”, and God’s timing in the loss of his job of 27 years at GE Canada. Isn’t it amazing how God uses us in His timing!

Their work in Germany was followed by another assignment in Akron, PA, and then a final one in Nairobi, Kenya. They loved to travel, and God gave them the world to see as they worked for him.

Henry and June retired to the Penticton/Kelowna area in BC, and continued to travel many times, seeing family all over, and keeping Mom’s social side fed. They also continued to work with MCC doing SOOP (Service Opportunities with Our Partners) assignments. Henry was treasurer in Grace MB church for the years they lived in Penticton, BC, and he also loved his regular trips out to Oliver to work at Gleaners during that time.

Henry and June moved to Kelowna when Pearl and Ernie moved there in 2004, and loved being close to Henry’s sister and brother-in-law, Marg and Vern Borne, and many Wiebe cousins for the next years. Henry loved, followed, and cared for June until she passed away in God’s timing in December 2020. He was always the steady and quiet to her energetic busyness. He then moved to Smith Creek Baptist Housing in West Kelowna, BC.

Henry valued his God, his family, and the people God gave him to love. His gentle temperament, steady smile, and interest in others will always be remembered by many friends and family.

Henry passed away Saturday, July 15, 2023 as gently as he lived. He is now with his loving Saviour and Lord, and we will miss him. It has been an honour to walk these last years with him. Many thanks to Smith Creek Baptist Housing staff for their wonderful care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).

Read June’s obituary: FRIESEN, M. June 1936 – 2020

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Service
SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2024, at 1:00 PM

Location
RUTLAND LIONS PARK

Share with Others:

Share on Facebook
Share Via Email

Send Condolences
Send Flowers, Sympathy Card or Comfort Meal
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Link: www.mcccanada.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for FRIESEN, Henry Peter – Service UPDATED is scheduled for SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

RUTLAND LIONS PARK

175 Gray Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Ruth Jantzen says:
    July 19, 2023 at 8:18 am

    June, I’m so sorry for the loss of Henry. My condolences to you and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply

Leave a Condolence Message for the Family


» To share your condolence on this page please fill out the requested fields.
» If you have a photo to share, please do so as families appreciate it. To share a photo (please note, just one photo per condolence please), click the 'Choose File' button and select a photo from your computer.
» Once you are done, click the 'Share' button.
» Your email is never published or shared. Your name and email are both required.

NOTE: all messages will go through an administrative process before being posted.

Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke