Harald Berle “Bud” Friele
Harald Berle “Bud” Friele passed away on November 21st, 2018 in the comfort of his own home on Salt Spring Island. Bud was born October 9, 1921 in Oslo, Norway, the eldest son of Haakon and Aslaug Friele, and brother to Ted and Rolf. He took great pride in his heritage, and always flew a Norwegian flag along with his Canadian flag.
Bud lived his life with a strong sense of family, adventure, humour, creativity, and curiosity. Although he always kept Norway near and dear to his heart, Bud spent most of his younger years residing in the Seattle area. He proudly served in the US Navy during WWII as Captain of the USS Vent, patrolling the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Bud was well known in the salmon industry, having fished and operated canneries in Alaska for many years. He later became President and General Manager of the Nakat Packing Corporation for A&P before retiring to Salt Spring Island. The sea was always a priority in Bud’s life. From his extensive career in the Alaskan salmon industry to spending time on his boat, “The Royal Viking,” Bud was happiest when out on the water. He could often be found prawning in the local waters, eating raw oysters off the beach, and making his specialty, Gravlax. Bud was also an avid skier, hiker, photographer, and gardener who recently returned home from the Fall Fair with a first place trophy for his grapes. He enjoyed spending time in his workshop, engineering new and ingenious ways to build or repair almost anything, and was known to be the best knife sharpener around. His most recent pastime found him creating perfectly balanced driftwood mobiles which he would give to grateful friends and family.
Bud was deeply loved and cherished by his three devoted wives, Katherine Brazeau, Evelyn Mouat, and Patricia Dougan, all of whom predeceased him. He leaves behind his five daughters and two step daughters: Kathy Fontenot (Don), Barb Lorenson (Stan), Christy Lein (Gary), Shelley Maxwell (Ron), Kari Holmes (Rob), Aileen Dougan (Craig), and Leanne Stegall (Bill). He was also the treasured “Bestefar” to eleven grandchildren and “Oldefar” to eight great grandchildren. Additionally left behind are Bud’s younger brother Ted Friele (Patty), Bev Brazeau, and the Pringle and Mouat families. Bud’s longevity was due in part to his long time friend, David Davies, and to the wonderful care he received over the years from Dr. Reznick, Dr. Woodley, and the staff at Lady Minto Hospital.
Bud wishes that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Lady Minto Hospital in Ganges.