Canadian Mennonite University honoured a well known Altona businessman for his service to the community. Ted Friesen was presented with first ever CMU Blazer Distinguished Community Service Award during the President's Homecoming Dinner in Winnipeg last night.


The award seeks to honour members of our community for their distinguished achievement and service within the broader community or church, through business, leadership, artistic, political, or volunteer contributions. 

Friesen says he was honoured by the award, especially coming from an educational institution that he has great admiration for.



Friesen, together with his two brothers, developed D.W. Friesen & Sons, now known as Friesen's Corp. into a major business, which has served the community in significant ways.  He has been an active participant in Mennonite Central Committee, the Canadian Conference of Mennonites, and Eden Mental Health.  Friesen also served as the secretary and president of the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada for 28 years. He is a lifelong resident of Altona and a founding member of the Altona Mennonite Church.