Douglas Friesen

FRIESEN, DOUGLAS PATRICK April 22, 1964 - July 30, 2013 Died peacefully in Vancouver after a long struggle with a brain tumour and multiple sclerosis. Doug attended school first in Vancouver at Trafalgar Elementary and Prince of Wales Secondary, and completed his high school years at St Michaels University School in Victoria. He attended the University of British Columbia and Queens’ University in Kingston, earning Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Public Administration degrees. After working for a number of years in Toronto for the government of Ontario, Doug’s career took him back to Vancouver, where he worked for Cornerstone Planning and Context Research.

A world traveller, Doug visited over 30 countries, gaining deep respect and understanding of other cultures. This experience, along with his natural compassion, modesty and tireless courtesy, made him loved and respected by many friends from all walks of life. As his disease progressed over the last few years, Doug focused his attention on his beloved wife Ruth Casey and daughter Lily, enjoying their loving family life, their neighbourhood, and their many close and wonderful friends.

Doug will be truly and deeply missed by Ruth and Lily, by his mother Madelyn, brother Peter, and sister Jane, and by Ruth’s parents David and Alberta Casey, sisters-in-law Elizabeth Wroz (Paul) and Judith Johnston (Peter). Doug was fiercely proud of his nieces and nephews, Rebecca, Jessica, Michael, Andrew, Patrick, Adam, William and Jack. Doug is predeceased by his father, Dr. Leo Friesen, and his sister Joanne.

Many thanks to the brain tumour team at the B.C. Cancer Agency and the wonderful nurses and care aids on Five East. Deep gratitude goes to the caring and compassionate team at Marion Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations to the B.C. Cancer Agency would be greatly appreciated.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, August 2, 2013 at THE UNITARIAN CHURCH OF VANCOUVER, 949 West 49th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.