Obituary of Eugene Friesen

Eugene Friesen (known as Pop to many) was born in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan in 1939. He enjoyed a happy childhood growing up with his mother Linda, father Menno, brother Blake and two sisters, Carol and Ruth. In the early years Pop grew up in a farming community which sparked his lifelong interest and passion for all things mechanical and automotive. He often told the story of having to stand to reach the pedals to drive farm trucks at an early age and of working on tractors and various machinery. Pop was a studious man of exceptional intellect, eventually attending the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon where he became an accomplished mechanical engineer. During this period he also met and married his wife of 50+ years, Ruth Friesen. In keeping with the theme of his life, Pop spent a stretch of time working for CP Rail which gave him a chance to explore Canada and spawned a keen interest in trains and railways. He would always stop to watch a train go by and remind you that he also used to be a railway man. Pop Friesen also became the father to four boys in the years that followed and his house was filled with activity, noise and all the accompaniments of raising a large and energetic family. The meant endless hockey practices, baseball games, family vacations and all of the challenges that came along with this active and fulfilling life. While he encouraged his boys to be spirited individuals, he was also a man that encouraged and appreciated his sons to use their heads and think for themselves. Trips to the library were a regimented part of the schedule with his boys. Pop was also proud to work for General Motors in a career that lasted over 38 years until his retirement. The Friesen family would migrate with Pop's job to live in Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Calgary, before eventually settling into their current home in Markham, Ontario. He was known throughout GM as a master of the internal combustion engine and widely regarded for his expertise in all things mechanical - he was truly a gifted engineer. GM was a great love for Pop and it gave him a chance to follow his passion. As the years progressed, he advanced through the corporation but always preferred to stay close to a role where he could still get his hands dirty. In the latter years of his GM career, he became a stalwart in the company and a wizened asset that could solve automotive issues that few others could. Pop was also a selfless man that gave of himself willingly to friends, strangers, family and neighbours. If your car was giving you an issue, Pop would be out there at his lunch hour rolling up his sleeves and crawling underneath your hood in a shirt and tie. He never complained and always did this with a smile. Being a car guy, Pop would always love nothing more than hitting the highway for a long drive to go for a visit and "see how's it is". This could be a weekend drive up north, a jaunt to visit his boys and grandchildren or an annual pilgrimage across the continent to Western Canada where he could visit all of the extended family that he missed so dearly. You could take Pop out of Saskatchewan, but his prairie roots were always proud and strong. Through the years, Ruth and Eugene became grandparents and eventually great grandparents. Pop was a kind soul that adored his grandchildren; always happy to read a book, do a magic trick or dispense his "contraband" licorice freely. His eyes would light up when a grandchild would run in the room and exclaim "POP" you have to come see this!!! He was universally loved by all. When Pop retired from GM, he was never content to sit idle. Instead of hanging up his tools he chose to soldier on and keep working. He always said that he might be a bit of a geezer but his brain worked just fine. Pop spent some time helping his son Doug in his business and built his own consulting firm working with CARS Canada to develop training programs for mechanics. He continued his work up until the age of 74. Pop expressed that he still had a lot of knowledge to share and that working with people and cars helped keep him young. There are so many stories that we all have to share of Pop and our hope is that in the coming days we make a point of sharing them and honouring his memory. When Pop Friesen passed away, he was with his wife Ruth and his four boys. He led a blessed life and is an example to us all. Rest in Peace Pop.