Kevin Neil Friesen

Kevin Friesen passed away peacefully Thursday March 28, 2024 at Bethesda Regional Health Centre with family by his side.

He leaves to cherish his memory his mom Tina; sister Wendy, nephew Corey (Felicia), niece Kaidra (Trevor); brother Gerry (Bev); brother Jonathan (Shannon), niece Taylor (Matt), nephews Jayden and Jaxon; sister Rachel (Al) and nieces Chelsea, Cassie, Sidney and Maggie; great nieces and nephews Macy, Juniper, Lucianna, James and Levi.

He is also survived by one uncle; Albert (Anne), aunts; Helen, Anne, Mary, Olga and Alvina as well as numerous cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, his dad Paul, nephew Bryson as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Kevin was born in Steinbach on June 21, 1970 (Father’s Day) to Paul and Tina Friesen. It was apparent there was something different about Kevin and it was ultimately confirmed as Down’s Syndrome. Around 5 months of age, frequent hospital stays began due to severe pneumonia, often with his survival in serious doubt but he always pulled through.

In the fall of 1971, he had open heart surgery to correct a valve defect that was allowing blood to flow into the lungs, causing the chronic pneumonia.

Kevin grew up on the farm near New Bothwell where he loved being outside, playing with his dog or riding his bike. He started school at age 3 1/2 and graduated from the SR in 1989, after which he worked at Kindale until Eastman Recycling Services opened. He loved that job and stayed there until he had to retire for health reasons.

Growing up, Kevin loved to travel, and family get togethers for any occasion were always a highlight. He was proud of his nieces and nephews, calling them his “kids”. Kevin also loved his church, the people, being involved and getting baptized at age 21. He spent many years as an usher and took great pride in that. One of his favourites was “open mic” and he always took that opportunity. Kevin loved his Lord and was not shy to share his faith with all he came in contact with, and he was a prayer warrior. Our family has many fond memories of good times and laughs that were had with Kevin.

In 2009, he moved to an enVision Community Living home and was in their care until his passing. The last couple of years were a steady decline in Kevin’s health due to many strokes and his interactions were limited.

The family would like to thank enVision and the many staff who cared for Kevin the past 15 years and especially during this last year as his needs increased significantly. We are grateful for the kindness shown to him.

Thanks to BCF for their love and acceptance of Kevin and always welcoming him to be an active participant.

We would also like to express our appreciation to the Bethesda ER and hospital staff for their thoughtful and tender care and to all who prayed, visited, and messaged during this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kevin’s memory to enVision Community Living.