Lyda June Friedt (nee Ritchie)
June 17, 1931 - November 17, 2018

Lyda (pronounced Lie dah – everyone got it wrong!) was born in the
prairie flatlands at Goodwater, SK. to Ernest & Huldah Ritchie
(known as Hilda) nee Martinson. Ernest died at a young age,
leaving Huldah to raise Lyda and her 5 siblings: Larry, Lois, Doris,
Ida and Vernon in Weyburn, SK. in a SMALL house with no indoor
plumbing. Lyda’s least favourite pastime was fetching water from
the well. Her favourite pastimes were picking berries from their
garden and raiding vegetables from the neighbour’s gardens.

At 18 years old, she met a dashing WWII “bad boy with a
motorcycle” veteran named John Friedt who she married on Sept.
3, 1949. John whisked her away to Bienfait, SK. to start their lives
together in a not so small 2-story house with AGAIN no indoor
plumbing. Two sons followed, Craig and Mark. The barbering
profession did not provide enough for the family, so John reenlisted
in the army in 1954, thus Lyda became a military wife
(finally getting housing WITH indoor plumbing).

The prairie flatland girl and her family got to travel across
Canada numerous times and live in and travel Europe for 3
years. John’s posting to Germany (1958 – 1960) gave Lyda and
the children the amazing opportunity to sail across the Atlantic
twice on ocean liners, as that’s how the military families were
moved at that time. Calgary became the centre for Lyda’s life as
Currie Barracks was the military base the family was posted to
and from- Victoria, Calgary, Germany, Calgary, Base Borden,
Calgary, and after the boys left home, Suffield and FINALLY
Calgary, where John retired from the military. Lyda spent a few
years as a single mom when John was deployed to Korea and
Egypt peacekeeping missions. She not only provided a long and
caring home for Craig and Mark but was known to often babysit
several children without any hesitation. Lyda’s circle of military
wives provided support and strength.

Retirement allowed Lyda and John to buy their first home and
put down roots. Lyda went to work at the Calgary Golf and
Country Club and then Eaton’s for several years.

Always a loving and devoted mother, Lyda was very excited and
thrilled to become a grandmother in 1984. She loved spending
time with Danielle & Candace where she attended school events,
dance recitals, vacations and sewing/knitting several sweaters
over the years. Sadly, her eyesight deteriorated where she could
no longer continue with this great passion of hers. Lyda was
known for her calm and friendly personality; a witty sense of
humour and always caring for others. After John’s passing, she
continued to reside at Brentwood Towers where new friendships
were formed.

Lyda's Celebration of Life will be held on December 8, 2018 at
Branch 264 Kensington Legion (1918 Kensington Road NW)
from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations are
gratefully accepted by the CNIB or the Calgary Poppy Fund.

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Lyda
please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted
to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services.