Raymond Allan Friesen, age 82 passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at The Villages, Florida. Ray was born in Salem, Oregon and lived in Leesburg for ten years, moved to Las Vegas then North Carolina and returned to The Villages 2 1/2 years ago. He was a graduate of George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon and went on to serve as an aircraft inspector for the U. S. Government for over 25 years before retiring. He proudly served his country in Korea as a U. S. Marine and went on to retire from the U. S. Air Force Reserves. He was also very involved in the Civil Air Patrol for many years. Ray and his wife of 33 years, Patricia, loved spending time on the road in their R. V. and traveled coast to coast annually. During their travels they were active with the Sower Ministry (Servants on Wheels Ever Ready), and designed their trips to coincide with ministry projects. He loved the outdoors… whether it was mowing grass or hiking. He just loved spending time in nature. He was an avid reader and regularly read his bible and newspapers to keep up with current events. He also loved to read a good novel and particularly favored those with military or spy themes. Those closest to him will remember him as a wonderful family man who was ready to help others anytime there was an opportunity to serve someone. Ray leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife Patricia; 4 sons- Rick (Annette) Friesen of, MT; Randy Friesen of, OR; Gary (Laurel) Friesen of, CO; and Jerry (Andrea) Friesen of, OR; 2 daughters – Cindy (James) Domaschofsky of, OR; and LaVonne (Andy) Medlin of, NC; and 2 step-sons – Rick (Dana) Briscoe of, KS and Scott Briscoe of, FL; 2 brothers – Loyal (Carol) Friesen of CA; and Alton (Delores) Friesen of, OR; 6 sisters – Bonnie (Bill) Lawrence of, OR; Joyce (Dan) Seng of, WA; Valdean Kouretas of, NV; Patricia (Camber) Bybee of, OR: Diane (Tom) Labarbera, CA and Marlene (Steve) Miller of CA; 19 Grandchildren and 16 Great-Grandchildren. A service with military honors is being planned at Florida National Cemetery at a later date. All arrangements are under the careful direction of Banks/Page-Theus Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
