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Loren Duane Friday

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Loren passed away on February 7, 2020, at the age of 79 in Phoenix, AZ. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his close friends and family.

Loren was born the middle child of John and Josephine Friday. He was born in Lincoln, NE, but as a young child, he moved from Nebraska to Phoenix, AZ with his parents and two sisters.

Loren attended Washington High School in Phoenix, AZ beginning in 1955. During these formidable years, his penchant for art grew, as he contributed several pieces of his artwork to the school and class clubs.

After graduation, in 1958, Loren attended Arizona State University. As a Sun Devil, Loren combined his appreciation of art with his passion for teaching as he achieved his master’s degree in Education. With his degree in hand, he began his career as an Art Teacher in the Isaac School District. There, he shared his enthusiasm of art with countless students that he taught for almost 40 years, until his retirement.

The only thing Loren adored more than art, was his wife, Beverly, whom he met while on a double date in high school. At that time, they were dating each other’s friends and at some point, during the evening they had decided to exchange dates (I’m certain that it was Loren’s idea). It wasn’t long before Loren pursued Beverly until they wedded in 1964 and soon started their family.

While Loren has been recognized as a talented and gifted artist; to his family and those close to him, he will always be remembered as caring and giving family man. To Loren, nothing came before his family as it was almost his life’s mission to always be there for them. From being his son’s loudest fan at their soccer games, to babysitting his grandkids, and not missing one of their hockey games or school functions, to playing with his great granddaughters, whom he cherished more than anything in the world. And even though Loren is gone, his family takes great comfort in knowing that he will always still be there, in our hearts and memories.

Loren is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverly; his sister, Liana; two sons, David and Michael; daughters-in-law, Corinna and Renee’; granddaughter, Sarah and her husband David; grandsons, Christopher, Alec and Zachary; and great-granddaughters, Jaiden, Hailey and Evelyn. He also leaves behind a host of friends, colleagues, and students who played important roles in his life. Loren was preceded in death by his parents, John and Josephine Friday, and his sister, Lois.

In lieu of services, Loren wishes to spend eternity in Maine, where he and Beverly spent their 40th wedding anniversary. His ashes will be spread on a later date.