Edward C Friesen, age 86, passed away on February 24, 2023, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital after a long struggle with cancer. Edward was born on a farm in Medstead, Saskatchewan, on March 15, 1936, to William Abram and Anna (Pauls) Friesen. He was named after the king.

In 1956, the family was living on a farm just south of Alexander, Manitoba when the entire year’s harvest was wiped out in a hailstorm. Ed and one of his brothers left the farm to work and send money home. Ed ended up at a smelter in Kitimat, where he was immediately promoted to supervisor because there were no labourer safety shoes big enough for his size 16 feet.

After Kitimat, Ed stayed in British Columbia and studied at UBC, where he earned his Bachelor of Education and met his wife, Grace McFarland. They were married on August 18, 1961.

Ed and Grace moved to Victoria in 1964 and began work as teachers. Their son, Dale Edward, was born in 1968, and their daughter, Bonnie Edna, in 1971. Ed taught at SJ Willis, Oak Bay High, and Colquitz Junior Secondary until his retirement in 2001. After his retirement, he and Grace travelled extensively around the western part of North America.

Ed actively believed in Jesus Christ, and planted a church, as well as served as a volunteer within congregations and in non-profit groups such as the Gideons.

For approximately 20 years, Ed has worked as a volunteer to help refugees file taxes in Canada. Inspired by his mother, who was a refugee from Ukraine fleeing the Russian invasion, he has helped people from many different countries as they become part of the Canadian cultural mosaic.

Ed is survived by his wife, Grace, his son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Karen, his daughter, Bonnie, his brothers, Abraham and Alfred, and his sister, Helena. He is also survived by Brad, Sue, and Nathaniel MacEachern; Bob, Arlene, Abigail, Evan, and Grace Overman; and Ryan, Melody, Alaric, Quinlan, Everett, Gabriel, and Xavier Taves (chosen family).