Neal N. Friesen passed away on September 14th after spending an amazing week in Alaska with his wife, Linda, on a cruise they had looked forward to taking with close friends. He leaves behind a big empty space in the lives of the people who loved him, but he also leaves behind a life full of family, friendships, laughter, and countless memories. 

Born October 5, 1958, Neal was the son of Cornelious and Helen Friesen. He spent part of his childhood in Mexico before his family moved to California and settled in the small farming town of Firebaugh. He went on to attend Cal Poly, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Crop Science and Agronomy. Neal was the first generation in his family to graduate from college which was something he was proud of but never felt the need to brag about.

 He spent more than 40 years working in the agriculture industry, much of that time traveling up and down California and through the fields he knew so well. He spent so many hours on the road that he could seemingly direct someone from a random field in a random town back to the nearest highway without hesitation. Something that his daughter benefitted from a time or two.

 After 30 years of marriage to Cheryl, with whom he raised their four children, Neal later married Linda. They spent 17 years together, building a life that included family, travel, holidays, weekends together, and plenty of time surrounded by the people they loved. Linda brought three daughters and five grandchildren into the family, and Neal embraced them as his own. 

Family was at the center of Neal's life. He was a supportive dad, who was affectionately called Pop by all of his kids, and continued to guide and encourage his children long into adulthood. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and made a point of telling them so regularly- and with emotion. He showed his love by being there- consistently, sometimes quietly, but always present.

 You could find Neal in the stands when his kids were playing sports, and years later, in those same stands cheering on his grandchildren. He wanted to support their dreams and believed in showing up for the people he loved. Of course, he probably could have skipped a game or two when his kids were growing up. Neal was one of those fans who could get a little too passionate about the game. 

Sports were a big part of Neal's life. Sunday afternoons could often be found in the old First Baptist Church gym in Visalia, where he played basketball. Saturdays were spent at the golf course working on his back swing. And if he wasn't playing basketball, he was probably watching it. In fact, if the television was on, there was a pretty good chance it was either sports, Star Trek or a Mel Brooks film.

 Neal never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, regardless of their age or where they came from. Leave him alone somewhere for a little while and there was a good chance that when you came back, he had made a new friend and somehow learned their entire life story. He had a gift for making people feel important and valued. His gentle spirit, easygoing nature, and genuine interest in people drew others to him.

 In the last few years of his life, Neal was able to slow down and spend more time traveling. He and his brother Skip made it a point to travel to Texas to visit extended family they hadn't seen in years. They also traveled around California together, making memories and enjoying the time they had. Those trips brought Neal a great deal of happiness. 

He was raised as a Christian and continued to live that out throughout his life. His faith was a quiet steady part of who he was. This year, he returned to church and it was meaningful for him to reconnect to a part of his life that had always been important to him.

 Neal knew what it meant to be a dad. He knew what it meant to be a grandpa. He knew that loving people meant showing up for them, being proud of them, supporting them, and letting them know they mattered.

 Neal is survived by his wife, Linda Friesen; his children, Regina and her husband Tim, Neal, Katherine, and Corey and his wife Kirstin; his grandchildren, Caleb, Sadie, Keely, and Everett; and his brothers, Skip and Johnny Friesen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelious and Helen; his sister, Helen; and his brother, Abe. 

A Celebration of Life for Neal will be scheduled at a later date.