Glen Friesen

Glen Friesen, age 60, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2018 at the Meadows, Swift Current, SK. Glen Victor Friesen was born at the Swift Current Union Hospital on April 16, 1957 to Jim & Mary Friesen, and grew up on the family farm in Schoenfeld, SK. He attended Special ED classes at the Kin school until he was eighteen, then began working at the Saskatchewan Ability Center in 1975. Glen spent the next forty years working in a variety of areas — glazing pottery, making wedding flowers and car decorations, piling lumber, assembling grain bin floors, and cutting lathe and stakes. Later, he moved on to labeling and pricing for Spar Group and National Manufacturing. Glen brought his meticulous attention to detail and good work ethic to every spot he worked in.

In 2010, Glen broke his hip in a fall at home, and stayed at the Palliser center for a few months while he recovered. After a hip replacement in 2012, Glen decided to reduce his work load and took easier jobs as he eased into retirement. He officially retired in 2015. Even though Glen found great enjoyment in his work, his real joy was spending time with family and his many friends. Glen hated to miss any of the excitement and was always ready to go on another adventure. Always a bit of a free spirit, Glen would sometimes go on little adventures of his own. One time while his parents were at church, Glen stayed home — or so they thought. When they returned home, he was nowhere to be found. Sometime later he came wandering back in, glad to report that the crops at Aunt Helen’s place looked good and would be ready to harvest soon.

He loved to play the guitar and sing — any time he was having a bad day, it could always be fixed by putting a guitar in his hand. Glen loved country gospel, but pretty much anything with a good beat would do the trick. And it didn’t matter if he knew the words, he would just make up for it with enthusiasm. He even won a karaoke contest with a rousing rendition of “Rhinestone Cowboy.” Glen made friends everywhere he went and seemed to have a girlfriend in every town he had ever visited. There were a couple who were extra special — they would always be greeted with a huge smile, and if possible, a quick kiss on the cheek.

On one of the family trips to Mexico, Glen took a bit of a tumble on the first night. No one knew he had actually cracked a bone in his wrist — not wanting to miss any of the fun, Glen never said a word about it until three days later, when Lu noticed he would pull away when she tried to hold his hand. So, off to see the doctor he went — by the end of the visit his wrist was nicely wrapped up, and the nice nurse was on his special ladies list.  In his last few years, Glen had to face some pretty significant health issues. But he was a fighter, and always managed to beat whatever it was that had come on that time. Sadly, this took its toll, and he fought his final battle on February 11, 2018.

Glen finally gets to see his mom, Mary Friesen, again; his sister, Virginia Meggait; and numerous aunts and uncles that have gone before. Heaven probably had a pretty good sing along when he got there, he knew all the words, and could hit every note. Those left behind — his dad, Jim Friesen; his brother, Dale (Marlene) Friesen; his sisters, Phyllis (Jack) Schimmel and Luona (Kurt) Penner; and his numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews — look forward to seeing him again. To play some basketball or hockey, to talk to him without having to repeat half of the conversation, and just having a great time without the limits of his earthly body. We’ll miss you Glen, but it’s not forever.

The Funeral Service for Glen Friesen was held on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 3:00 pm from Rhineland Christian Fellowship Church, Rhineland, SK with Pastor Alvin Buhler and Pastor Tim Knelsen officiating. “The River,” “I’ve Got a Home in Glory Land,” “When We All Get to Heaven,” and “I’ll Fly Away” were sung by the congregation, with Beatrice Peters serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Anne Wall, who sang “God of the Mountain.” Tributes were given by Jamie (Buhler) Klauke, and Glen’s nieces, nephews, and cousins. The ushers in the church were Gordon Peters and Harry Friesen. The Interment Service was held from the Rhineland Christian Fellowship Church Cemetery, with Amanda Vooys, Andrew Meggait, Anthony Meggait, Jennifer Friesen, Andrea Friesen, Kevin Friesen, Melanie Friesen, Ken Friesen, James Schimmel, Sarah Schimmel, and Corey Schimmel serving as Pallbearers. In memory of Glen Friesen, donations made to Southwest Homes – Railway House would be appreciated by the family. 

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