Anton "Tony" Thomas Hector Friedrich

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Tony Friedrich on May 4, 2021 at Penticton Regional Hospital, with family at his side. Tony was 89.

Born in Lampman, SK on June 26, 1931, the son of Mathias and Julianna Friedrich and brother to John, Emily, Rose, and Lambert. The family later moved to Bienfait, SK, where Tony grew up.

Tony will be forever missed and remembered by his beloved wife Joyce, daughter Nicole, son Shaun, daughter-in-law Naomi, and granddaughter Monet.

Predeceased by his oldest son, Durwood, brother John (Mildred), sister Emily (Alex) Yakimenko, sister Rose (Norvin) Maley. He is survived by his brother Lambert and several nieces and nephews.

Tony and Joyce met and married in Winnipeg. They and their three children moved to Victoria, BC in 1966, after which they built and moved to a home in Sidney, BC in 1967, becoming active members of Peace Lutheran Church.

Tony was a plasterer and stucco tradesman and established Friedrich Stucco serving Victoria, contributing on many historic buildings. Eventually, Tony was approached to be the business agent for the Plasterers and Cement Masons Union for Vancouver Island, and then later asked to oversee the Union for all of BC, out of the Vancouver office. Hence, in December 1980, the family moved to the mainland settling first in Tsawwassen and later Guilford, becoming members of the Faith Lutheran Church. Later, Tony resumed his own company, now serving Vancouver.

Seeking to retire from stucco, in 1986, Joyce and Tony purchased the Boucherie Mini Storage and Bottle Depot and moved to Westbank, BC. After a few years they sold the mini storage, and purchased Creekside Mobile Home Park in Kimberley, BC. After four years they sold the park and retired in Princeton, BC where they built a home, and founded Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

For health reasons, Joyce and Tony moved to Penticton, near Skaha Lake, becoming members of Concordia Lutheran Church. In 2008, Tony was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and as the disease progressed, he helped start a Parkinson’s exercise and support group, continuing to exhibit grace and determination despite the enormous physical constraints.

Tony was always easy to approach and welcoming. He was known for his gentle nature and his endearing sense of humour that touched all of those who knew him.

Tony had a passion for outdoor adventure including gold panning and moose hunting.

Tony entered Trinity Care Center for a short period of four months before going into Penticton Regional Hospital.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the memorial service held on Tuesday May 18, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. was private, however, we welcome you to watch a recording by clicking the link below.

Family and friends are invited to share a memory or leave a condolence for Tony’s family by visiting www.providencefuneralhomes.com