Ted Friesen

Ted Friesen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, after a life well-lived. He was born at home in Vancouver on January 14, 1941, to Tina and David Friesen. Ted spent his early childhood on 48th and Fraser before the family moved to a farm in Bradner, Abbotsford. They later settled on another farm along Farmer Road, where Ted attended Huntingdon Elementary. He graduated from MEI on Clearbrook Road, where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Lorie Janzen.

Ted and Lorie began their 62-year marriage in Vancouver. They eventually made their home in South Surrey, welcoming daughter Paula and son Cameron. Ted was a caring husband and father, and he found his greatest joy later in life as a grandfather.

Ted, a skilled and certified carpenter, contributed to constructing many apartment buildings that still stand along Vancouver’s 12th Avenue. His work took him across British Columbia and Alberta, including projects in Cranbrook, Calgary, Surrey, Langley, Vancouver, Abbotsford, and beyond. Throughout his career, he worked on various developments including apartments, townhomes, Tim Hortons restaurants, warehouses, medical buildings, and storage facilities. He collaborated with several prominent builders, including Wall and Redekop, Henry Rempel, Brian and Ken Regier, and Rudy Loewen. Ted loved trap shooting, fast cars, golfing, and playing cards. He was known for his inner strength, quick wit, and generous heart. He demonstrated unwavering loyalty and dependability to his family, friends, and work.

He was predeceased by his parents, David and Tina Friesen, and his sister, Lorina Hall. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Lorie, daughter Paula (Randy), son Cameron (Leslie), and grandchildren Mackenzie (Ashley), Amanda (Zach), Drew, Connor, and Julia.

A celebration of life will be held at South Abbotsford Church on July 16th at 1:00 p.m.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10