Mr. Forrest Charles Friesen

Mr. Forrest Charles Friesen had an intoxicating spirit and brought much laughter and joy to those who knew him. He encompassed everything one would want in a father, husband and friend. He had a cool collected demeanor and his humor was infectious. He had everyone in stitches all the time and was seldom serious. Frosty was a good hearted selfless soul who worked hard to provide for his family, it was sometimes difficult for him to boast about his accomplishments but he was truly a master of his craft. He was a remarkable painter and enjoyed his profession to its fullest. He was meticulous in his work and took great pride in doing show quality paintwork and restorations. His passion was for custom bikes, hot rods and lead sleds. Frosty was a firm believer in trying everything once and if you like it. Hell, keep doing it. He maintained a really care free positive attitude even in the final stages of his life.

His parents were Ray and Doreen Petrie. Frosty was raised in Burnaby British Columbia, in their family house on Bainbridge. He was a compassionate person with a sense of humor like no other, a quality that he would carry with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Frosty liked to play records, ride bikes, and raise pigeons. However, to Frosty, the most fun to be had was simply playing, and spending time with his many friends, many of who were female.

Throughout his life, Frosty showed a remarkable ability to put those around him at ease and in good spirits. It was difficult not to smile when in his presence. This was true even with his siblings. Frosty was raised with five siblings. Brother David, and sisters Vicky Cathy, and twins Barb and Kim. Being the oldest Frosty was responsible for causing his parents endless worries whenever his sisters would go out and party with him. He also shared his disregard for conformity and authority with them, much to his parent's dismay. I'm sure everyone in this room has a story to tell that involved frosty getting up to no good but always having a good time doing it.

It was in Burnaby in 1970 where Frosty met the mother of his first two children, Jerilyne Sparrow. They lived together in the corner house on Salish drive where they raised their sons Christopher and Aaron together. Frosty was enriched with the first nations culture and traditions. This is also where he first began painting on his own.

On September 2, 1986, Frosty exchanged wedding vows with Deanna joy Friesen at the family home on Willingdon Avenue in Burnaby BC. Frosty had an unconditional love for Joy. His deep loyalty and a strong commitment to his vows brought a sense of completeness to their marriage.

Frosty was a man of great pride especially when it came to his children. He showed great empathy and always treated everyone in a caring and dignified manner. He was blessed with five children, three sons, Christopher, Aaron and Jesse and two daughters Autumn and Sarah as well as three grand children, Ashley, Vienna and Victoria.

Frosty was as loyal and committed in his work as he was in the rest of his life. Though he had a tendency to take on too many tasks at times, he exhibited great patience with even the most challenging projects. And although his trade became progressively more difficult as his health began to fade Frosty always seemed to be able to get the job done. The jobs he derived the most gratification from were undoubtedly the custom paint work he did on countless hot-rods and motorcycles. Frosty learned early on that he had no desire to work for anyone but himself, therefore was self employed for most of his adult life, running Frosty's Custom Paint.

With all Frosty's hard work came some well deserved leisure. Some of his favorite pursuits included riding his custom motorcycle and cruising in his chopped, lowered and louvered Merc pick up often with no particular destination in mind. Riding and driving were his livelihood and in many ways made him the man he was. He also had an extensive knowledge and passion for music and expressed some disappointment on occasion for having missed his true calling as a radio disc jockey. Also, another aspect of his artistic flare were the candles he made during the holidays many of which he would offer to friends as gifts. I'm sure some of you out there are still burning one of Frosty's candles as they were known to burn forever.

Though Frosty always appeared to be dreaming of the open road, he was accepting of retirement when it finally came. Frosty stopped painting in 2002 due to health problems related to his trade.

Frosty passed away on July 13, 2009 at Marion Hospice at the Windermere Care Center in Vancouver BC. Frosty fought a brave battle and always kept positive about his COPD resulting in the respiratory failure that ultimately took him from this earth. He is survived by his wife Joy, sons Christopher, Aaron and Jesse. Daughters, Autumn and Sarah. Grandchildren, Ashley, Vienna and Victoria as well as his father Ray and siblings.

Mr. Forrest Charles Friesen was a person who didn't necessarily see the world in terms of black and white but more so through rose colored glasses. He lived his life to its fullest with no regret and left an extraordinary impact on the lives of those who knew and loved him and he will be missed tremendously. If Frosty were present today and able to leave us with a few choice words they would likely be:

1. as long as there is starbucks and the fight network there's a reason to get up in the morning

2. going deaf is a blessing half the things people say aren't worth hearing anyway

3. do what you love and if there's no money in it, you're not chargin enough

4. real men get tattooed

5. when life gets tough- go riding!

6. Live to ride and ride to live!

It is with great sadness we announce the loss of Forrest Charles Friesen "Frosty" born March 12th, 1948 in Swift Current Saskatchewan & died July 13th, 2009 in Vancouver, BC. Frosty was predeceased by his sister Cathy & his Mother Doreen Petrie. He is survived by his loving family, his wife Joy of 25 years, & his 5 children, Christopher, Aaron, Autumn, Jesse & Sarah & 3 grandchildren Ashley, Vienna & Victoria. The memorial service will be held on Monday July 20th at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3789 Royal Oak Ave. Burnaby, BC.