FRIESS, John George was a beloved husband, father, nono and bisnono who we were very blessed to have in our lives for 89 years. He lived life to the fullest and was always happy and smiling! Our hearts are heavy with sadness but our lives will forever be enriched with the love he shared with all of us. Rest in peace… you deserve it.
John was born in Marithom, Saskatchewan on February 10, 1923 to John and Barbara Ann Friess and passed away on September 7, 2012 at KBRH in Trail. John had to leave school early to help his family on the farm. He came to BC at the age of 15 with good family friends. He found work with a moving company, then delivering coal before he gained employment with CM&S in 1952. He worked in the tramming department until he went to the Equipment Depot as a truck driver where he stayed until his retirement in 1983 after 31 years of service. When he came to Trail he met Dina Decembrini who had come to Trail from Christina Lake, they were married April 24, 1948. They welcomed son Danny followed by daughters Donna and Barbara Ann. They purchased a house in Sunningdale in 1960 where they lived for 50 years. Prior to retirement they decided to purchase a place at Christina Lake where the family enjoyed happy summers together creating many cherished memories. John lived in Kiro Manor and Columbia View Lodge before he settled in and found his ‘second family’ at Rosewood Village. John was one of the original residents to move into Rosewood where he spent 8 joyful years involved in all there was to offer: card games, bingo, dime dice, horse races and many outings but most especially dancing.
He was a smooth dancer and loved to give all a chance to have a spin with him. Ultimately he danced, laughed and smiled his way into many hearts, even with his oxygen and walker he rarely missed a dance, he was the best “walker dancer”. We are thankful he is now free to two-step without any breathing restrictions.
John is predeceased by his parents and sisters Beth and Barbara. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dina; son Danny (Lynda); daughters Barb (Leo) Leavitt and Donna Costanzo; grandchildren; Jamie Friess (Pam), Cory (Heather) Friess, Shawna (Shane) Kubik, Melanie Costanzo (Clinton), Jennifer Costanzo, Tyler (Kristal Tees) Leavitt, Josh Leavitt (Kayla) and Evan Leavitt; great grandchildren; Cheyanne Friess, Zakary and Lukas Kubik, Colton and Wyatt Friess and Ruby Leavitt. He will remain forever in our hearts. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday September 15 at 11:30 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help officiated by Father Marcel Coté. Al Grywacheski and Gwen Ziprick of Alternatives funeral and Cremation Services have been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to KBRH Foundation, 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail BC V1R 4A6. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence by visiting the website www.myalternatives.ca.