George Ellis Friend

George Ellis Friend 1920 - 2014 George Ellis Friend passed away peacefully in his sleep and went to be with his Lord on May 23, 2014. He was born in Bristol, South Dakota and grew up on the family farm prior to moving to Denver in 1924. He was married to Patricia McNeel Friend, his beloved bride, friend and a wonderful mother, for 66 years. He leaves behind the families of their 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. George was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish in east Denver, where he served as an Altar Boy and in the Holy Name Society. He attended and graduated from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Grade School. He then went on to attend Cathedral, Manual, and Regis high schools before graduating as an East Angel in 1939. After high school he took a job as a teletype operator working for the railroad, stationed at the west portal of the Moffat Tunnel at Winter Park, where he also worked at a local saw mill. His teletype experience would serve him well in the service of his country in the US Army Signal Corps stationed at Indiantown Gap, PA, near Harrisburg. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1945 after 3 years of service. Upon leaving the Army, George returned to join the family business, Friend Furniture Company, located in old town Aurora. 'Aurora George' as he was called, was active in the Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross, the American Lung Association and Toastmasters International. He was also an active member of the Kiwanis Club, where he served in many leadership positions and also helped to establish several new clubs. He was voted a lifetime member of Kiwanis International for his dedicated service, which included 50 years of perfect attendance. In 1975, he established George Friend Company, which he ran until he was 89 years old. One of his favorite sayings from the farm days was ""It is no disgrace to die in the harness."" He had a keen interest in baseball and was an avid Colorado Rockies fan up until the end. He also obtained his private pilot's license at one point in his life and loved to fly and navigate. He and his wife Patsy enjoyed traveling domestically with their growing children and later on internationally as a couple and with close friends. One of the couple's proudest accomplishments was being able to have all of their children graduate with a college education. The cultivation of lasting friendships was also a very important part of George's legacy. George was preceded in death by his oldest daughter Dianne (Gary) Lowe and by his parents, George Joseph and Addie Baril Friend, his older sister, Luverne Schoendaller, and an older brother, Leon, who died at birth. He is survived by his bride of 66 years Patsy McNeel Friend, He is also survived by daughters Joan Friend; Lisa Friend and her son, Robin Friend Stift; and Nancy (Russ) Hoffman and the Hoffman children, Clayton, Wesley and Jamie. George is also survived by sons Damian (Wendy Comeaux) Friend and their daughter Malorie Joy; and Stephen (Heather Tomlinson) Friend and their children Lucy and Jack. Grandchildren and their families include granddaughter Kristina (Justin) Lowe Thurman and their children Calder and Herra; grandsons Jonathan (Katina Varzos) Lowe and their children Eliot and Colette; and Nicholas Lowe. Also surviving is Dianne's husband Gary Lowe. George also leaves behind his brother Ralph J. Friend and sister Marion Bartscherer along with scores of nieces, nephews and cousins. A Catholic Rosary will be held at Horan and McConaty Family Chapel on Colorado Boulevard and Mississippi in Denver at 7 p.m. Sunday June 1. Mass of the Resurrection at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church located at Montview and Elm Street in east Denver to be held at 10 a.m. Monday June 2, with a Reception in Campbell Hall at the church afterwards. A private family burial will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests acts of kindness or donations to the charities of your choice. 'Prayer Is The Focal Gem-Stone In The Brooch Of Wisdom...' GEF