The town of Altona has lost a well known community leader, supporter and volunteer.

Menno H. Friesen passed away at the Altona Memorial Health Centre this past weekend. He was 72.

Friesen was deeply involved in the local sports scene and was part of the Altona Maroons organization of the South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League as a both a player and team executive for many years.

He was one of the driving forces behind the construction of Access Field, Altona's new ball park.

Friesen served on a variety of committees over the years and helped spearhead the Gardens On Tenth fundraising drive, raising $3 million for the four story seniors housing project in Altona.

The past Altona and District Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year worked for Golden West Radio for almost 30 years and with CSP Foods (Bunge Canada) prior to that.

A service celebrating his life will be held Monday, June 18th at 2pm at the Altona Millennium Exhibition Centre.

Golden West C.E.O. elmer Hildebrand reflected on Friesen's impact on the community, and shared those thoughts on the CFAM Radio 950 Morning Show with Co-Host Chris Sumner: