FRIESEN, Jacob Herman Friesen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, pastor, and friend of many. Jacob Herman Friesen, aged 94, departed this world peacefully on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in his sleep.

Dad, Grandpa, or Jake, as he was known by many, was born on February 16th, 1931, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was the firstborn child of Jacob and Annie Friesen, recent Mennonite immigrants who knew each other from childhood before their journey to Canada when they were both 17. Jake’s father, Jacob, died when Jake was four years old, leaving Annie as a widow with Jake and younger sister Mary. Baby Helen was born shortly afterwards but passed away at three months. Mother Annie remarried to Henry Suderman, and their family lived together in a shared home with the John Suderman family until Jake was ten years old. The family then moved to Huntington Road in Abbotsford, with six half siblings arriving over the following years; Peter, Henry, Irene, Eleanor, Frieda, and Abe.

Throughout Jake’s life, his faith was central to every decision. He spoke often of making a faith decision at the age of fourteen in a raspberry field in Abbotsford with the guidance of his Sunday School teacher, Henry Warkentin. He combined milking cows on the family farm with memorization of scripture, and often told the story of memorizing whole books of the New Testament in English and then in German. He was baptized shortly after his conversion and was asked to begin preaching at the age of eighteen. He graduated from MEI high school in 1949, Bible College in 1951, and over the next few years, gradually completed a degree in Theology from Winnipeg Bible College and a BA in Arts, majoring in History and English, from UBC. Jake was ordained into ministry for pastoral work in his early twenties and became a beloved pastoral presence in many locations throughout his life, most especially Harrison Hot Springs, Abbotsford, and Vernon, BC. His vocation also included social work, counselling with Burden Bearers, and later in life he also explored teaching English as a Second Language. Jake touched countless lives through his love of people, and faithful presence in a gentle form of leadership, earning respect and admiration from colleagues and parishioners alike.

In addition to vocational pursuits, Jake loved to ski, hike Mount Cheam, ride his bike, play tennis and ping pong with whoever was interested! The last thirteen years of his life, after our mother died, were spent in the Menno Place, which was a wonderful place of community, old friendships, and service. We are thankful for the staff of Menno.

Jake’s loving wife of over 50 years, Leona Friesen, predeceased our father in June of 2012. Dad will be deeply missed by his four children, Grace (Steve), Valerie (Dave), Randy, (Ingrid), and Cathy. He was deeply loved by his grandchildren; Steven (Meggan), Kessa, Leanne (Jerome), Jonathan (Anna), Pera (Alena), Max (Raeann), Chris (predeceased), Jessica (Rainer), Brianna (Armaan); and great-grandchildren Elijah, Reuben, Sadie, Isaiah, Andrew, Hudson, and Wendell. Dad will also be remembered by friend Ann, and by countless close personal friends from decades of connections, meetings, outdoor adventures, and shared meals.

The legacy of Jake Friesen will live on in the hearts of many, as countless people have told us how he impacted their life at some key point along their story. Though now departed from this life, dad’s spirit will endure in our memories as we cherish the moments shared.

A celebration of Jake Friesen’s life will be held in February in the Fraser Valley. Further details to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Menno Place in remembrance of Jacob Friesen

Rest in peace, dad. Our love is with you.

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