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ROD (MURRAY RODERICK IAIN) FRISKEN
Born: Jun 29, 1951
Date of Passing: May 17, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryROD (MURRAY RODERICK IAIN) FRISKEN
Rod Frisken, 73 years old of Winnipeg, died peacefully on Saturday May 17. Rod had been unwell for a few years and had refused to go into hospital just 3 weeks before his hospital admission. He stuck it out at home, did it his way and only was in hospital for 10 days prior to his death.
Rod was born on June 29, 1951 to Catherine and John Frisken. He is survived by his wife Leslie Walsh, son Ivan Frisken (Nisreen Shammout), his step-son John Walsh (Tanya Majnusz), grandson Logan Walsh, sister, Valerie Frisken, brother-in law Pierre Tessier, nephews: Marc, Philip, and Paul Tessier, and sister Ainslie Kuryliw (Ray), step-Mom Audrey Frisken, step- sister Kathy (Frank Rempel), the Rempel children Tyler and Jessie and the Clarke cousins and their children.
Rod was the eldest of 4 children. He was often seen as a protector and advocate especially for his younger brother Sandy (Alastair) who passed away in August 2011.
Rod attended many schools in St. James and Fort Rouge. He also enjoyed his religious studies at the University of Winnipeg.
As a young man he worked at the Ting Coffee Shop and the Salisbury House. He had many fond memories of those days.
He worked as a zoo keeper at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. He loved working with the animals and it was here that Rod became involved in CUPE.
Rod was a loyal, honest, loving man. He defended unions rabidly to anyone who would listen. He was a socialist through and through. He had very strong beliefs and an independent spirit. Lively discussions were had in many venues and especially around our dinner table.
Rod was a worker advocate. He fought for workers throughout his career, having worked at the Worker Advisor Office and he was the Labour Appeal Commissioner on the Workers’ Compensation Board.
Rod also worked at Springfield Industries as the Health and Safety Officer. When he left Springfield he stayed home and became the chief cook, pie maker and housekeeper for Leslie. Rod was an amazing cook. Our grandson Logan’s favorite dish is Grampa’s pork curry.
Once Les retired Rod decided he needed to get out of the house and he got a job at Lee Valley. He absolutely loved that job. His knowledge and love of gardening and woodworking were invaluable. Due to hip, back and shoulder issues Rod had to leave Lee Valley, which he missed incredibly. He maintained his Lee Valley relationships and often used to just visit to see his former colleagues.
He loved to golf and play pool (eight ball and snooker) and was good at both. He played pool in the Aactive Pool League for many years. Just prior to his death he was inducted into the Aactive Pool League 2025 Hall of fame and received a plaque and a jacket.
Rod was happiest in his home and especially with his grandson Logan.
Thanks to all the staff of 5B at St. Boniface hospital, especially to Abeba and Allison and Dr. Amith Pendurthi and Dr. Hoat (Palliative Care) for listening and for their compassion. Thanks to Dr. Jacobs (Rod’s GP) for always being there for us.
Special thanks to all our family, friends and neighbours who constantly made sure we were looked after and to my guardian angels Kelley Johns and Ainslie Kuryliw.
A big party AKA: A Celebration of Life will be held for Rod on June 29, 2025 (his 74th birthday) at CanadInns Fort Garry on Pembina Highway from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Fort Whyte Alive, where a plaque with Rod’s name will be placed on a bench.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 24, 2025
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Lesley - am so saddened to learn of Rods passing. While I can’t attend the party - you are in my thoughts. Take care dear friend. Kelly - Posted by: Kelly (Friend) on: Jun 29, 2025
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Dear Les and family; We have fond memories of Rod during the plenty visits we had with you guys. We are shocked to hear about his passing and we hope that the family find comfort in reminiscing the precious time well spent with him. We love you. - Posted by: Barry, Jeanne & Isaac Nordstrom (Friends) on: Jun 05, 2025
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I was so sorry to hear of Rod's passing. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Robin Waugh (Cousin) on: Jun 04, 2025
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Sorry to hear about your loss. Sounds like he had a great and full life. - Posted by: Bonnie Dobson (Neighbour) on: May 30, 2025
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Leslie, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. Thinking of you at this difficult time and my deepest sympathy to you and your family. - Posted by: Cynthia (Friend) on: May 30, 2025
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Valerie, Ainslie, family and friends. So sorry for your loss. Take care and cherish your fond memories of Rod. Sincerely, David Chaze - Posted by: David Chazw (friend) on: May 27, 2025
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Rod loved to play scrabble and loved to win. A few times when we were in Wpg for a visit to family, Kathy and Frank Rempel invited us to join Rod and Leslie at the pub. I joined the game. I was so thrilled to win one of the three games with Rod winning the rest. He took it well but loved the win. We also visited Rod and Leslie for a BBQ at their home. Rod did some fancy cooking on that BBQ and was proud of the variety of foods on his grill. He had a special cooker to put on the side for grilling vegetables. Guess who went home and bought several new additions for BarBQing? THe greatest part was spending some time with Rod and Leslie. He will be missed. - Posted by: Rosanne Holland (Rod was my husband's stepbrother) on: May 26, 2025
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One of the very first times I met Rod was in Rivers, Manitoba. I was 16, making him just 20. I had a fresh new driver's licence. His dad John Frisken suggested that Rod take me out to practice driving. We were to take John's car. Rod thought it would be a good idea for me to practice on the landing strips of the old Rivers Air Force base... no traffic, wide extended pavement.... what a good way to keep David out of trouble! Rod had some very definite opinions about what I needed to practice, as a new driver. He assessed my driving on the way out to the runways and felt reasonably confident that I knew what I was doing. The only suggestion in town that he made was about lifting my big toe off the pedal at the end of a stop to reduce the jerk that can happen if you keep the foot solidly on the brake pedal. Then, we reached the runways. Sure enough, no one was around. That's when he gave me the challenge. Rod said you can't be afraid of the car, but you had to be aware of how powerful a machine an automobile could be. He said, "Floor it!" At the time, the car John was leasing sported a 454 cu. in. engine. The engine growled, then roared, pushing us way back in the seats. The speed climbed rapidly. Finally, as we topped 100 miles per hour, Rod said something about running out of runway. Maybe he was a little white in the face and his voice may have been a little strained as he wrapped up the lesson with, "Okay, good. That'll do for today's lesson." - Posted by: David Holland (Step brother) on: May 26, 2025
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We were so sorry to hear about Rod. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Karen (Friend) on: May 26, 2025
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Valerie, Ainslie, and family, very sorry to hear of Rod's passing. Hard to believe how many years have gone by since my family moved in accross the park on Canoe Bay. Such great memories of hanging out with the Friskens and the Harrisons throughout junior high and high school. One that comes to mind is when Rod acquired that old car that he "parked" behind your family home. I don't think it ever ran, but it did make a great club house. There was also that time we all got together to set up a fair in the park, donating the proceeds to the Children's Hospital. Hope that your memories will bring you comfort at this time of loss. - Posted by: Russ Duffy (Childhood friend) on: May 26, 2025
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We are so sad to hear of your loss, Leslie, and you are in our thoughts at this difficult time. We hold so many fond memories of our times together and will miss Rod’s rye sense of humour. He was a man with a big heart. We look forward to celebrating his life on June 29. In the meantime, we send you all our love. - Posted by: Guy &Kathryn (Friends) on: May 26, 2025
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My condolences to all the family. Rod truly was a socialist with a very kind soul. Always willing to help and to advocate for workers. My late husband Rick had worked with Rod and there are many fond memories of those days. Rest in peace now Rod with that pool cue in your hand ready for that next game. Sylvia Farley - Posted by: Sylvia Farley (Friend) on: May 24, 2025