Orly Friesen – teacher, traveller, businessman, storyteller, died peacefully in his 90th year on December 13, 2024, of colon cancer. Born in Manitoba on September 25, 1935, he was a restless soul and enjoyed travelling through European and African countries, China, Latin America and many Canadian provinces and US states. His one spoken disappointment was that he never made it to South America. His five years teaching in Ghana and numerous years as a businessman in BC were among his favourite. While in Ghana, he was well known for his two crocodiles, monkey and live snake collection (including a cobra, pythons and a very healthy garter snake, transplanted from Manitoba, that was used to teach his African students about hibernation).
Born on a farm with horses instead of tractors and outdoor, not indoor, plumbing, he lived through many exciting changes in his life. One thing he was unwilling to share was his computer. He was, however, generous throughout his life to the churches he attended, the charities he supported and people he learned had needs. He enjoyed playing bridge, cribbage, poker and almost any other card game – always playing to win.
Firstborn of five, he was predeceased by brothers Helmut and Werner. He is mourned by his wife of 66 years, Mary, daughters Valerie (Leighton) and Karen (Rick), son Harvey (Liezel), grandchildren Karalynn and Nicholas, brother Walter (Marg), sister Erna and numerous other family members. We will miss hearing him tell his life stories and having him beat us at cards.
We appreciate the kindness of the SE Health team, who helped look after him in his last couple of weeks and the many people who called and visited him to share their memories and love.
Orly chose to donate his body to a medical school in London, Ontario. A memorial service will be held in the early spring of 2025.
In lieu of flowers, his family would appreciate donations to Mennonite Central Committee Canada, Operation Eyesight, Byron Community Church or a charity of your choice.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 6 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Grand Bend, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $3/km (one way travel only).
Dear Mary and family,
I have so many wonderful memories of time spent with you and Orly from the first time we met in Ghana and over the years since.
How could I forget the first time we were invited to your home in Achimota when he brought two of his pythons in to meet me? To this day I even remember what I was wearing as I ran for the door.
We’ve enjoyed ever so many games of bridge over the years.
Orly was a wonderful man and he will be sorely missed.
Sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Love,
Ruth Rose
Dear Mary and family: Greg and I were indeed sad to learn of Orly’s passing. We met you both so many years ago (1976)in Simcoe Ontario. Orly was a gentle soul who loved his family. He passed on so many memories… Thinking of you all .
I didn’t get the privilege of knowing Orly and Mary very well, but the few times in their presence was always very memorable and the family and grand children are living proof of their character and parenthood. May the entire Trinity be among the family in a mighty way offering comfort and encouragement that all will be together forever one day!
Sorry to hear that Orly died. I always enjoyed visiting with him and your mom. We morn though with promise that we will see each other in heaven where there is no pain or sorrow. I don’t travel very far from home anymore so I’m not sure whether I’ll make it to service. I would like you to know that my father and your dad had special relationship that I believe stemmed from your dad’s teenage years and what happened at home. I know that kept in touch throughout there lives. God bless you all. Armln
I am sorry to hear about your dad. I enjoyed the visits I had with him. I would have like to see if he could beat me at cards. Give my condolences to you mother, sister, brother znd to Karalyn and Nicholas. I am sorry but I can not make it to memorial but my heart goes with you.
Mary, you & your family are in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time.
Sending you much love & bundles of hugs.
We were saddened to hear of Uncle Orlando’s passing. We pray that God would give Aunt Mary and all of you strength during this very difficult period and at this time of year. Our condolences are with you and we are praying for you all daily.
Love, Mark and Donna
Roger and I were saddened to hear of Orly’s passing and send our sincere sympathy to you Mary and your family. May his memory be a blessing.