BEN FRIESEN

1922 - 2008

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Ben Friesen. Ben passed away at home on Friday, March 28, 2008 at the age of 85 years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Friesen, and his children Ron (Kathie) Friesen of Vauxhall, Geri (Roy) Reti of Taber, Rick (Kathy) Friesen of Vauxhall, Ruth Lamond of Lethbridge, Deb (Jim) Nemeth of Lethbridge, Margaret (Richard) Brown of Vauxhall, Brenda Sincennes of Taber, Raymond (Pat) Friesen of Vauxhall; nineteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers Sandy (Shirley) Friesen of Calgary, Jake (Nancy) Friesen of Strathmore  and Pete (Elaine) Friesen of Creston; four sisters Mary Klassen of Calgary, Margaret Clarke of Calgary, Elsie Groves of Lethbridge and Ann (Dean) Johnson of Vauxhall; two sisters-in-law Katie Friesen and Aggie Friesen both of Vauxhall and brother-in-law Clem Bexte of Vauxhall as well as numerous nephews and  nieces.
He was predeceased by his son-in-law Dr. Howard Ritchie, two brothers George and Hank Friesen, a sister Tina Bexte, and two brothers-in-law  Bud Klassen and Maurice Groves.
Ben was born in Kameno Poll, Krievou Rug, Russia on June 11, 1922 and immigrated to Canada in 1926. As a young man he worked as a hired hand and purchased his own farm in 1944 northeast of Vauxhall along the Bow River. Ben and Betty farmed there and raised their family until they retired to the Town of Vauxhall in 1990. Ben served on the Municipal District of Taber Council for 25 years, the last three of those years as Reeve. He also served on the Oldman Regional Planning Commission for 20 years. He was a hard worker, serving the community for many years in the capacity of 4-H Leader, director and president of the Vauxhall Grazing Association. Ben was well respected by everyone who knew him. He had a great love for his family.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 - 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Alana Johnson officiating. Burial to follow at the Vauxhall Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ben’s name may be made directly to the Taber Hospital Foundation, 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta  T1G 1N9.