Grandpa's Memorial

My great-great Grandfather was born in Manitoba.  His father immigrated from Russia.  The Friesens have been in Canada a long time!

John C & Catherine Friesen (he lived until he was 98 or 99!).

My Grandpa was the 5th of 8 children.  He was born July 5, 1922.

A handsome young man who grew up in an affluent family (business people, not farmers) in Saskatchewan.

His brothers....four are still alive and healthy.

My father also went to Rosthern Junior College (private boarding school).

Grandpa was drafted but was a conscientious objector, therefore had to plant trees on Vancouver Island.

He was a grand singer!

A 'town boy'!

My dad sure looks like his dad!

And, I sure look like my Grandma here .

 

1945 My Grandpa married Hilda Boldt

They quickly had a large family!

My Grandpa built this house.  My Grandpa sold his grocery store moved from Lanigan to Abbotsford in 1964.

This is house of all my wonderful childhood memories on Centennial Street in Abbotsford

Not Grizzly Adams but close!

The kids are growing up!

A special day....50 years married!

My grandparents with baby Nathan.

Enjoying time with his great-grands.

I remember this day so clearly.  A Friesen family get together was always oodles of fun with many laughs.

My grandparents shortly before my Grandma got really ill.

Grandpa had a insatiable sweet tooth...lots chocolate DAILY!

 

My aunts, dad and brother got to sit with Grandpa as he passed into Heaven.  It was very peaceful.

 

 Beautiful flowers from Keri and Kori.  Thank you!

 The pallbearers bringing the casket to the hearse.

Waiting for the service to begin.

 

 

 Bringing Grandpa to his final resting place.

 Pastor Vic Shellenberg from Northview did the brief service.

 And then his body was committed to the earth.

 Back to the funeral home for the memorial service.

 Waiting to start the service in the family room.

 Being with my cousins makes me very happy.  I love them!

 My dad read an excellent tribute and I enjoyed hearing all the stories about Grandpa!

 At the reception there were bowls of Allsorts which my Grandpa loved.  I always think of him when I eat these!

 

And no gathering of Friesens would be without silliness.   We can be a goofy bunch.

 

When an elderly person who has had a full life passes away and who has Jesus as their Saviour it's not a very sorrowful memorial.  We can be assured of meeting them again and we can rejoice they are in a better place...a place we can barely fathom!  We will miss Grandpa but hold onto the promise of seeing him again in eternity!