Aric Alan Friesen
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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 https://santanmountainviewfuneralhome.com/obituaries/.
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Tiffany & Dan N. says: Aric’s passing has left a huge hole in our hearts. We are devastated at the loss of our dear family friend. We are thinking of Amy and the kids constantly and our hearts ache for them. Much love and prayers to family and friends as we grieve the loss of this extraordinary man.
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Judy Carl says:
I didn’t know Aric well but knew him well but know so many people who loved him and will miss him. Everyone had such wonderful things to say about Aric and my few memories of him only reinforced that.
My condolences to his sweet wife and children and all those who loved him. RIP. You have left us much too soon. -
Tommie Byrd says:
I didn’t know Aric, but I had Anastasia in my sophomore English class last year. If Anastasia is any indication, and after reading Aric’s obituary, I’m guessing she is, I can only imagine Aric was an intelligent, creative, and very special man with an amazing sense of humor. Please tell Anastasia she is in my thoughts and prayers, as is Aric’s entire family.
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Larry and Connie Wittig says:
Dear Orris and Carey,
Connie and I were deeply saddened to read about the loss of your son in the Republic on July 7. No matter what their age, the loss of a child is one of life’s most difficult challenges. We wish to express our heartfelt concern for you and your family during this tragic time.
Shalom, salaam, Peace
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Weston Brown says:
Aric was a dear friend in high school. I lost touch with him after high school unfortunately. Today I decided to see if I could find him and learned of his passing. He was truly a good human who wanted to help anyone he could. Funny our paths so easily could have crossed while I was at Motorola or working in Collision reconstruction with engineers at Toyota working on their Event Data Recorder. I will miss him more, knowing I didn’t take the time to reach out sooner.
Tiffany & Dan N. 
Judy Carl 
Tommie Byrd 
Larry and Connie Wittig 
Weston Brown
Aric’s passing has left a huge hole in our hearts. We are devastated at the loss of our dear family friend. We are thinking of Amy and the kids constantly and our hearts ache for them. Much love and prayers to family and friends as we grieve the loss of this extraordinary man.
I didn’t know Aric well but knew him well but know so many people who loved him and will miss him. Everyone had such wonderful things to say about Aric and my few memories of him only reinforced that.
My condolences to his sweet wife and children and all those who loved him. RIP. You have left us much too soon.
I didn’t know Aric, but I had Anastasia in my sophomore English class last year. If Anastasia is any indication, and after reading Aric’s obituary, I’m guessing she is, I can only imagine Aric was an intelligent, creative, and very special man with an amazing sense of humor. Please tell Anastasia she is in my thoughts and prayers, as is Aric’s entire family.
Dear Orris and Carey,
Connie and I were deeply saddened to read about the loss of your son in the Republic on July 7. No matter what their age, the loss of a child is one of life’s most difficult challenges. We wish to express our heartfelt concern for you and your family during this tragic time.
Shalom, salaam, Peace
Aric was a dear friend in high school. I lost touch with him after high school unfortunately. Today I decided to see if I could find him and learned of his passing. He was truly a good human who wanted to help anyone he could. Funny our paths so easily could have crossed while I was at Motorola or working in Collision reconstruction with engineers at Toyota working on their Event Data Recorder. I will miss him more, knowing I didn’t take the time to reach out sooner.