FRIESEN LADELL VAUGHN FRIESEN celebrated life to the fullest and on February 22, 2011, gave the ultimate sacrifice, his life, for his beautiful wife Candace Joy Hope Friesen and his unborn child, Baby Friesen, both of whom meant the world to him. Ladell was born a bouncing baby boy, weighing 9 lbs 3 oz on May 27, 1976 in Medicine Hat, Alberta, to Stan and Lois Friesen. Ladell was the younger of two children. At age seven, Ladell moved to Lethbridge with sister Rochelle and parents, where he resided until his passing. He received his education in Lethbridge, graduating from LCI. Ladell spent his first year after high school at Briercrest Bible College, then went on to two years at LCC and finally completed his Bachelor of Management and Marketing degree at the University of Lethbridge. He was currently a land developer and building contractor.
He had an early passion and gift for music. He sang under the direction of Frank Gnandt in the LCI Jazz and Chamber choirs for three years, where he discovered his love for travel and for Europe.
From a very early age, Ladell never lacked for a diverse group of friends, young and old. His friends would readily attest to the fact that he was a friend once and for all. He travelled with friends across North America, and even attended one week of classes at Harvard University. Athletics were a priority. He was a strong athlete who challenged and engaged friends in wrestling, hockey, skiing, and golf. Ladell was never at a loss for dreams. One of those was that he would own a motorcycle by the age of 16 which he fulfilled; another being that he would excel at free-style skiing. This he did achieve and became a member of Kimberley and Big Mountain free-style ski teams, always performing to his standards of excellence. He shared his expertise patiently, while coaching the free-style ski teams at Castle Mountain. Ladell proposed to the love of his life on January 4, 2008, at the top of Big Mountain and on July 26, 2008, he married Candace, with whom he shared life’s passions and dreams. They were ecstatic to learn that soon he would become a father and Candace, a mother. On February 13, 2011, they proudly announced their Valentine’s gift to family. Of greatest importance was Ladell’s love and personal relationship with his Lord, Jesus Christ. It was his faith which gave him the hope and promise that death was not to be feared. One of Ladell’s favourite chapters of the Bible was Psalm 23, which he read every day. Ladell is survived by his adoring wife, Candace Friesen and his unborn child, Baby Friesen. He is survived also by his proud, devoted parents Stan and Lois Friesen; loving, loyal sister Rochelle (Andrew) Plett, nephew Eli, and precious grandmother Dorothy Spady. He will be greatly missed by his mother-in-law Hope Roeder; father-in-law Larry Roeder; sister-in-law Crystal (Doug) Hanson, niece Grace, nephew Garrett; brother-in-law Kurt, niece Terisa; sister-in-law Kelly (Darryl) Marcocchio, nephew Bradin, niece Madison; uncle Doug (Diane) Spady, cousins Karey, Starla and Keyanna, Chelise (Todd); aunt Eleanor (Gordon) Settle, cousins, Michael, Morgan; uncle Russ (Joy) Friesen, cousins Lynden (Jolene), Lauren (Kevin), uncle Carl, and other extended family and friends. Predeceased by aunt Miriam Spady, grandfather William Friesen, grandfather Louis Spady, and grandmother Christine Esau (Friesen). Relatives and Friends are invited to pay their respects at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 - Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. A Funeral Service for Ladell will be held at the EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH, 4717- 24 Avenue South, Lethbridge on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastors Steve Bateman & Andrew Plett, officiating. Interment to follow in the Coaldale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a trust fund has been set up for Baby Friesen. Contributions may be made at any Bank of Montreal registered under Candace Friesen. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca