John Friel, G.C.J.

John Creaghan Friel, Q.C. (Papa), 67, of Moncton, passed away peacefully and with grace at his residence on Saturday, July 23rd 2016, with his loving family by his side. Born in Moncton, he was the son of the late Donal and Marion (Creaghan) Friel.

John was a retired Judge with the Province of New Brunswick and had practiced law since being called to the Bar on June 25, 1974. He obtained his BBA from St. Francis Xavier University in 1970, attended Queen’s University from 1970 – 1971, received LLB from UNB in 1974 and was a Lord Beaverbrook Scholar in Law from 1971 – 1974. He then practiced law in Moncton from 1974–1977 before going on to assume the family practice in Grand Falls between 1977–1998. He then joined McInnes Cooper (Moncton) in 1998 and continued to practice law until he was appointed to the Provincial Court in Miramichi in October 2009.

Judge Friel was passionate about his work; his intellect and compassion were valued by all who knew him. He never turned down someone who needed legal help, many times offering his services for free.

John’s top priority was his family; in partnership with his wife Jeannette, the couple raised five kind hearted and upstanding boys to whom he passed on his values. He was a loving father and husband, and he adored spending time with his grandchildren. John also took pleasure in golfing, curling, sailing and carpentry. He enjoyed spending summers when the boys were growing up at the Friel/Duffie camp on Long Lake, where he taught all the kids to waterski. He and Jeannette were prolific gardeners and loved spending time together in their landscaped paradise on Frampton Lane, Moncton. Perhaps his favorite place was Friel Beach in Cap–Pelé, where he spent many summers with his family, since the time he was born.

John was also actively involved in his community being a member of the Rotary Club of Grand Falls and of Grand Falls Council UCT for 20 years. He was also an active member of Marriage Preparation for Diocese of Edmundston and of the Marriage Preparation team for the Archdiocese of Moncton. As well, John taught catechism for 14 years at the Parish in Grand Falls.

John will be sadly missed by his devoted wife of 42 years, Jeannette (Duffie) Friel; his adoring sons, Andrew (Caroline) of Moncton, Eric (Melissa) of Grand Barachois, Chris (D’Arcy) of Corner Brook, NL, Sean of Moncton and Patrick (Erin) of Woodstock; his precious grandchildren, Emma, Erica, Claire, Emily, Leah and John Joseph “JJ”; loving sisters, Marjorie Taylor (Barry) of Grimsby, ON, Julie McKenna (Frank) of Cap–Pelé, Priscilla Scott (Michael) of Welland, ON and Aileen Petrie (Ross) of Belfast, PE; brother, Dr. Patrick Friel (Marilyn) of Grand Lake, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

The family would like express their sincere thanks to the staff on the 4th floor of the Moncton Hospital for their care and support over the last few months and a special thanks to his family physician, Dr. Ghislain Cormier.

Resting at Fergusons Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton (858–1995) on Tuesday July 26 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 pm. A Service to celebrate John’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, 404 Cleveland Ave., Riverview, on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 11:00 am, with Rev. Jeff Doucette and Rev. Steve Bérubé officiating. Reception following the service. Interment will be held at Ste–Thérèse D’Avila Roman Catholic Cemetery, Cap–Pelé.

Family flowers only please. If desired, donations to the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.