Jake Friesen
November 2, 1940 – March 18, 2025
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association is grieving the death of former chuckwagon driver – “The Dancing Man” – Jake Friesen after a lengthy illness on on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. at the age of 84.
Throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, Jake had a tremendous amount of success in the Peace Country region of northwestern Alberta to northeastern British Columbia driving pony chariots. Jake won several championships notably the British Columbia and Canadian championships. Needing a new challenge, Jake decided to make the move to driving thoroughbreds, and started competing in thoroughbred chariots and chuckwagons with the Peace Country Chuckwagon & Chariot Association (PCCCA) in 1991, where he was named the PCCCA’s Top Rookie Driver.
Jake had a breakthrough season in 1992 and was named the PCCCA’s Most Improved Driver and the PCCCA’s Most Sportsmanlike Driver. He took out a permit with the WPCA in 1993 and ran his first WPCA show at the Grande Prairie Stompede, 1993 and 1994 saw Jake finish inside the top five of the PCCCA standings. In 1995 Jake again was named the PCCCA’s Most Improved Driver, but ultimately won the overall PCCCA Championship, with his second wagon placing second overall as well. Winning the PCCCA championship qualified Jake to compete in his first Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby in 1996.
At the end of the 1995 season, Jake decided to try his hand with the WPCA on a full time basis. At the time the WPCA race season ended after the Strathmore Stampede, and but the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek, British Columbia was added to the 1995 schedule, and it was the official start to the 1996 WPCA Season. In just his first start as a full WPCA Member, Jake beat out Reg Johnstone to win the 1995 Battle of the North Championship, and took the lead in the World Standings into the 1996 season.
Jake continued to compete on the WPCA Pro Tour, placing well and winning several day monies along the way, and qualified for his second Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby in 2003. 2003 also saw Jake qualify for his first Championship Final Heat at he North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River in first place overall, and he wrapped up his career with the WPCA at the end of the 2003 season. Retirement didn’t last long for Jake, as he resurfaced with the Western Chuckwagon Association (WCA) and retired after the 2007 season.
Affectionately known as “The Dancing Man” by track announcer Les McIntyre, over his career, Jake Friesen was one of the most colorful individuals professional chuckwagon racing would ever see, He was loved by chuckwagon fans everywhere, and was a respected horse trainer and chuckwagon driver among his peers.
Jake is survived by many family members who all loved and will miss him greatly.
A Funeral Service for Jake will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 2:00 pm, at People’s Church, Grande Prairie, AB. A viewing will take place before the Funeral, beginning at 1:00 pm. Jake’s interment will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2:00 pm in Cleardale, AB.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bcfh.ca
At John’s request, there will be no service.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with John’s family here.
Jake will be dancing in heaven, but dearly missed by all in the WPCA and chuckwagon fans everywhere, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Friesen family.
Billy Melville
