Author: Randy Friesen

Randy Friesen is a business strategist, manager and educator based in Vancouver, BC. He is also a husband and father. He loves the creative process and is active in creating art and music.

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Be The Best.

The Back Story – part 2

Ok, so if you’ve done your homework, (see The Back Story – part 1) you are now ready for part 2. (yes, that’s my teaching side coming through!)

I did not trust myself to complete the eulogy ‘live’ at the service, so I decided to write the eulogy (working with Ingrid (amazing wife) and Max (18 yr old son)) and then with the incredible effort of my nephew Steve Lacoursiere, this 18 minute production was developed. (2 videos below)  I must mention that Max insisted on being involved in the narration, a decision that I deeply respect and cherish.  That kid has been a rock.  Max I love ya.

I completely understand that Chris’ passing causes questions about ‘who was that kid?’, ‘who is that family?’.

We want the world to understand that Chris Friesen was a passionate person who was also a perfectionist.  He was his own worst critic.  At its best, that pushed him to the next level, constantly raising the bar.  At its worst, he would get mad at himself (you’ll hear the story about his driving exam) when he didn’t achieve the level of success he felt he should.

On March 25, 2010, Chris had a car accident driving out of the school parking lot in which he hit a fence with the car and sustained damage to the vehicle, but it was still drivable.  The impact of this one event was massive for Chris.  You’ll understand more if you have watched every video in The Back Story – part 1 and the full and complete videos below.  Chris wanted to Be The Best.  Chris, your passion WILL fuel us!

Chris Friesen Eulogy – part 1

Chris Friesen Eulogy – part 2

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Be The Best.

The Back Story – part 1

To understand a story, you need some history.

We played these videos at Chris’ funeral.

We’re not a perfect family, but you’ll be able to see a few things.

In the Zipline videoyou see a family having fun and sharing experiences.

In the Christmas Tree video, you see typical teenagers standing asleep or looking like they don’t really care…oh, but they do!

In the Lacrosse Highlight video, you see the amazing skill of Chris Friesen. (Yes, I know I’m his Dad, but he was really good!)

In the Interview video, you see the passion of the kid.  He wanted to win and be part of a team.  He wanted to help people.  He wanted to Be The Best.

You’ve got some video watching to do! That’s going to be your homework, before this whole blog and interchange of ideas really makes sense.  I told you I was a teacher, right?  Now go do your homework…!

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Be The Best.

Easter Sunday – and so it begins.

Welcome to my blog.  When I set this up a few months ago, I could never have imagined this being my first post.

Chris Friesen

My youngest son Christian Douglas Friesen…(we called him Chris), passed away on March 25, 2010.  He was just 17 years old.  In the next days and weeks I will introduce you to Chris from a father’s perspective.

I don’t think I would be starting this blog if it hadn’t have been for the amazing strength and powerful relationships that we gained through a Facebook memorial page this past week as we prepared to honour and remember Chris at his funeral service on April 1.

I read a book last year called How Starbucks Saved My Life. I feel like writing my own book now…How Facebook Saved our Lives.  Of course it’s the people behind the technology, but in our darkest moments…and in dark moments to come, the on-line community balanced with the outpouring of support from family and friends drove our strength.

You’ll hear a lot about Chris Friesen in this blog, but we’ll also journey through life and hopefully learn together.  Chris…your passion will fuel us.  You are fueling me already to share all the life lessons I gave you as a Dad with a wider circle.  Seeing your influence in others since your passing has made this Dad (and Mom), so amazingly proud of you I simply cannot tell you.

This blog is dedicated to helping fuel the passion in all of us.  That will make more and more sense as time goes on…

Note: To gain full context of this blog, you’re encouraged to view Back Story part 1 and Back Story part 2.