Aric Alan Friesen passed away unexpectedly on June 19, 2018, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 46. Aric was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 3, 1972, to Oris Friesen and Carey Lea (Burbank) Friesen. He received B.S. degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science Engineering at Northern Arizona University in 1996. He married Amy Johnston on July 6, 1996, and they moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Aric was employed as an automotive design engineer at Toyota. Subsequently they left the cold country and moved back to sunny Arizona and Motorola, where Aric capitalized on his computer science degree. Their daughter Anastasia was born in 2002 and their son Alexander was born in 2006.
Aric was always interested in computer technology and worked as a software engineer for several startups such as Evergreen Internet, Foliage Software and AcuteTeleCare as well as larger companies such as JDA Software and Arizona Public Service. He developed a real passion for biomedical technology and took advantage of that at Stereotaxis and Second Sight Medical Products, his last employer.
His early interest in technology also fed his interest in science fiction, especially the British BBC series of Doctor Who. He enjoyed photography with his DSLR camera and camping with his family. Aric’s great sense of humor was complemented by not being afraid to make fun of himself. His compassion for other people was repeatedly revealed by his eagerness to help others in need. He was a very caring person and loved his family. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched.
He is survived by his wife, Amy; daughter Anastasia and son Alexander in Queen Creek, Arizona; parents, Oris and Carey Friesen in Scottsdale; parents-in-law, Jack and Barbara Johnston in Gilbert, Arizona; sister Isabelle Sloan; and nieces, Cynthia and Jennifer Sloan. Aric is a member of Song of Life United Methodist Church in Queen Creek. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday July 14, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church of Gilbert, 331 S. Cooper Rd., Gilbert, Arizona. Details will be provided later. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested for the Friesen Children College Funds GoFundMe campaign established for his children Anastasia and Alexander at https://www.gofundme.com/friesen-college-funds. Condolences may be submitted at http://santanmountainviewfuneralhome.com/obituaries/.