DR. WILLIAM JACOB FRIESEN

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DR. WILLIAM JACOB FRIESEN April 16, 1918 - September 25, 2013 Bill passed quietly and without fuss much the way he lived his life. Born in Steinbach, Manitoba, to Maria Reimer and Jacob R. Friesen, Bill was the youngest of a family of seven. Predeceased by his first wife Marie, parents, and sisters Catherine, Marie, Anne, Helen and Betty and brother Ed, he leaves to mourn his wife Donna (Patton), daughters Betty McGarry (Kevin), Ida Marie Threadkell (Brian); stepsons Andrew Patton (Janice Gurney) and Matthew Patton and grandchildren Kate McGarry Toole (John), Declan McGarry (Heather) and Connor McGarry (Mandy). After a childhood spent hanging around airplanes and cars in his father's car dealership, Bill went on to become an obstetrician/gynecologist. Maybe the connection was removing parts, fixing them and putting them back. He was the first in his family to earn a university degree, capitalizing on his innate love of learning. After completing high school at Wesley College he went on to graduate from the University of Manitoba with a degree in Medicine in 1943. His hard work earned him top marks in Canada in Pathology. Before pursuing training in his specialty, he spent one summer traveling by York boat to Churchill with a Treaty Indian Pay Party. He was expected to provide medical services along the way including teeth extractions, in interesting conditions. Bill completed his training in obstetrics and gynecology in Montreal at the Montreal General and the Royal Victoria Hospital. During this period he pursued and wed his wife, Marie Graves of Trail, British Columbia, whom he met during their years at Wesley College. Returning to Winnipeg in 1947, Bill joined the Manitoba Clinic. In 1948 he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada. Throughout his practicing years Bill was also an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynocolgy, a position he held until his retirement in 1986. In 1984 he married a longtime colleague and friend, Dr. Donna Patton. She brought great joy to him in their 29 years together. After his retirement he spent hours volunteering at the Western Canadian Aviation Museum. What many people missed was the twinkle in his eyes belied by his rather stern demeanor. He loved to tell a good story, drive a fast car and spend time hanging around the late Charlie Graffo's flying school. Driving was a passion and many family holidays were spent criss-crossing North America towing a trailer of some sort. He passed on his love of reading and language to his daughters. Bill was a kind, gentle and considerate man who didn't want to put people out. His patients loved him for it as did the staff at Tuxedo Villa. The family would like to thank the staff at Tuxedo Villa for their kindness and compassion in caring for our dad. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba, or the Medical College of University of Manitoba. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 30, 2013, at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 28, 2013