Friesen – Donald David Friesen of Brooks, beloved husband of Sharon Friesen of Brooks, passed away in Calgary on Tuesday March 31st, 2020 at the age of 82 years. Don was born August 30, 1937 in Maymont, Saskatchewan to David and Katharina Friesen (Hiebert), the second of eight children. The family moved from place to place before settling in the Tilley area in 1952. In 1960 while working on a job in Medicine Hat, Don met the woman of his dreams, Sharon Seitz. After a whirlwind courtship, they married and had a beautiful marriage for the next 60 years. Their early years were spent farming in the Tilley area before moving into Brooks in 1973, where Don began his real estate career and became active in the community and local service/sports clubs. On warm days, he would often disappear to the golf course or driving range, perfecting his swing with a new club, and in the winter he would often head out for an evening of curling at the local rink. Don will be remembered for his love of God, kindness, generosity and his passion for music. Don had a great musical gift, as evidenced by his beautiful Jim Reeves-inspired voice, and adeptness with the guitar. He loved singing at church services and playing at weddings and dances of all descriptions throughout his life. In later years he picked up the banjo and enjoyed periodically serenading the family with a Bluegrass tune. He will also be remembered for his sense of humor, often coming up with a spur-of-the-moment joke in the midst of any conversation, a trait he shared with his brothers and sisters. His children also remember him for his compassionate love and support in their lives, and can’t imagine a better father is even possible. Don is singing in God’s choir now, his voice echoing through the heavens for the entire universe. When you catch the sweet sound of a songbird – that will be him. When the warm gentle spring breeze lifts your hair from your cheek – that will be him. When you are warmed by that first ray of sun after the rain – that will be him. In those moments, you will hear his quiet whisper, “I will never leave you, you are my heart”. Don is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, his three children Monte, Mitchell (June) and Vanessa, and two grandchildren Abby Kelling and Noelle Friesen. Also surviving are his brothers Ed (Linda), Verne (Pietie), Ken (Bev), Harvey (Linda), and sisters Sylvia (Randy) Bonds, Gloria (Gordon) Iwanyshyn and Pat (Roy) Sihvon. A small, private service was held on Tuesday, April 7 at 2:00 PM from Smith Memorial Chapel. Rev. John Theiss officiating. Interment followed at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Don, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to either The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 1101525 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 9R9 or The Kidney Foundation of Canada, 310-5160 Decaire Blvd. Montreal, Quebec H3X 2H9 or a Charity of Choice.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM BROOKS, ALBERTA
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