Walter Friesen received his degree in Education and taught several years while raising a family with his wife, Helen and attending Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, California. Walter later graduated with a Master's degree in Missiology and a Master's of Divinity.
After 15 years of pastoral work, the Friesen family moved to Beaverton, Oregon in 1970 and the family opened Little Beaver Daycare.
in 1971, Walter went back to school for a Master's degree in Counseling at Portland State. Walter founded the Beaverton Family Counseling Center, and for 25 years he loved helping people understand themselves better and encouraged them to grow and improve their relationships.
Walter went back to school, taking classes in Gerontology and any class on creating a quality space for seniors.
Hearthstone of Beaverton Assisted Living Community opened.
As Walter watched his mom live in a nursing home, he knew he wanted to make an impact and make a better community for seniors. Walter and Helen wanted to do something for seniors. They wanted to create a place that was beautiful; that had flowing water and gardens, had caring and compassionate staff, and was a welcoming home where seniors could "Enjoy Life Together". Walt was always a man of vision! And he had a vision for a better place for seniors to live.
Seeing what an incredible impact Hearthstone had on the residents and the staff, Walter, at age 72, helped to start the even larger Hearthstone at Murrayhill Senior Living Community and lead the Hearthstone Management team.
Hearthstone at Murrayhill Senior Living Community opened
Walter was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease and instead of asking "Why me?" he asked "Why not me?" He accepted his situation with loving grace and dignity. As his world shrank, his Godly character and his love for his Lord and Savior never changed. He always greeted everyone with a smile and a wave and asked, "How are you doing?" He cared deeply about people, no matter who they were.
Walter & Helen Friesen moved in to Hearthstone at Murrayhill
At the Hearthstone Carnival in 2015 with great-granddaughter
At the Hearthstone County Fair in 2016
At the Hearthstone Luau in 2017
Walter graduated to Heaven while living in Anna's Place and his legacy continues on through the Friesen family.
The Original Friesen's
L to R in back: Gerry, Nancy, Bev, Cheryl, Rod
Walter & Helen Friesen in front
Walter lived his final years on earth in this beautiful environment he created accompanied by his sweetheart, Helen.
It is hard to fathom how many lives were impacted by one who lived out his faith not only through his words but through his actions as well. And his actions spoke much louder than his words. Walt's mission in life was to love God and to love others to God, and he did it well until the very end. What a legacy!
The Friesen siblings are continuing Walter's legacy at Hearthstone with God as the lead.
The Friesen Legacy lives on!