MATTHEW RYAN FRIESEN

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MATTHEW RYAN FRIESEN Matthew Ryan Friesen (Matt Fry) of Winnipeg passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus at his family home on Friday, August 7, 2015 at the age of 33 after facing the many lifelong challenges of Muscular Dystrophy. Matthew was born in Winnipeg on April 14, 1982, the youngest of four children. Matt is survived by his father Rod Friesen, his mother Pat (Brian) Maxwell, siblings Renelda (Wes) Hird, David (Shawna) Friesen, Barry (Cheryl) Maxwell, Jill Maxwell, his grandmother Janey Harrison and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Matt was predeceased by his brother, Darren in 1999 and his Uncle Tom in 2014. Matt lived in Sanford, MB on a small acreage where he loved riding on the tractor with his Dad, playing with his dog and cat, with his brothers and sister and playing games with the family. When Matt was 6, the family moved to Niverville where he attended school until Grade 8. It was here that he met friends who were destined to be his buddies for life. Matt decided to complete high school at Springs Christian Academy in Winnipeg where he learned the principles that were to shape his life and mold his character. Upon graduation he completed the 2 year Masters Commission program at Springs College. This was another significant turning point for Matt. A quiet person, Matt really came out of his shell and made some great friends as well as growing in his Christian faith. After graduating from Springs College he was employed with an internet pharmacy for several years, until he decided to follow his lifelong dream to be a radio broadcaster and enrolled as a student of the Academy of Broadcasting in 2007. Matt graduated from the Academy of Broadcasting in 2008 and shortly after he very enthusiastically started his career with CHVN Radio. Matt was passionate about his job at CHVN which included doing the morning news, production management and off site events along with 2 of his favorite pastimes, doing fundraisers for charities and conducting on-air interviews. Matt was employed with CHVN up until the time of his passing. In Matt's words he loved "God, church, hockey, music, hockey (did I say that twice)". An important part of Matt's life which he really enjoyed was volunteering in kids ministry and in the tv department at the church. He also loved animals, playing video games with friends, his family and playing a musical instrument "even though it sounds like I'm playing a broken nail clipper right now." He was an avid and competitive board gamer and spent many nights with his friends immersed in a fight to the finish. He was always very appreciative of anything his parents did for him especially when he was ill. Matt was the most positive person we ever knew, never using his disability as an excuse and giving all he had to the things he was passionate about. Matt's greatest joy was to give of himself to others, either with a listening ear, encouragement or pitching in to help with whatever needed doing. A funeral service to celebrate Matt's life will be held at Springs Church, 595 Lagimodiere Blvd, Winnipeg on Wednesday, August 19 at 1:00 p.m. We would like to give special thanks to all the Home Care and Palliative Care team for their dedicated and compassionate care. Thanks to all his many friends and family for encouraging Matt and for their faithfulness in visiting him. Without the support of everyone we would not have been able to help Matt through this difficult time. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Matthew's name to his charity of choice, "Siloam Mission" in Winnipeg. Arrangements entrusted to: Rock Fontaine Funeral Director Honor Respect Dignity Winnipeg call 204-223-2576 or toll-free 1-866-499-2601
Publish Date: Aug 15, 2015

MATTHEW RYAN FRIESEN Matthew Ryan Friesen (Matt Fry), son of Rod Friesen and Pat (Brian) Maxwell, brother of Renelda (Wes) Hird, David (Shawna) Friesen, Barry (Cheryl) Maxwell, and Jill Maxwell went to be with Jesus on August 7, 2015. Funeral service will be held at Springs Church on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Full obituary to follow on Saturday, August 15, 2015.
Publish Date: Aug 11, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 15, 2015