It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and afi.  Survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Lily Ann (nee Cherewayko) his daughter Kristjana (Henderson) and two cherished grandsons Bradyn and Daunte Chase and son Derek (Dita), brother Joe (Kathy) and many members of the Cherewayko family. 

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Predeceased by his father Johnna Axel, his mother Asa, and his brother Rick, nephew Michael, great-niece Samara, special brother-in-law Emil, and his very dear friends Norman Johnson and Ray Beaudin.

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Freeman was born in Lundar, Manitoba on June 8, 1940 to his parents.  He spent his first 10 years living with his Amma and Afi Freeman, whom he cherished.  They lived at Gypsumville as well as at Siglunes in a home off the lake.  In 1950, they moved to Lundar where Freeman attended his remaining school years.  He was a scholar!  After graduating, he spent numerous years working in the Yukon and in the mines at Thompson as well as at Midwest Drilling.  He then worked at the Winnipeg Floodway Project in 1964 where he met his great brotherly friend Emil Cherewayko who introduced him to the love of his life, Lily.  He then worked at Midwest Drilling as office manager for ten years. Freeman moved onto working for the federal government for Department of Public Works for two years then transferred to the Department of Indian Northern Affairs. He was a material management officer and head of contracts for Manitoba.  He travelled extensively throughout Manitoba with the department and thoroughly enjoyed his years there. He especially loved his trips to the many reserves in the Far North. He retired in 2000 after 28 years of service.  He has maintained years of many friendships with his co-workers to this day. 

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In 1969, he married the absolute apple of his eye, Lily Cherewayko. Together they enjoyed many years of wonderful love and friendship together, hand in hand. In 1972, their first, loving daughter Kristjana was born.  Freeman was absolutely delighted with his new role as a father.  Then in 1975 their second child, son Derek was born.  Freeman was as proud as a peacock.  His ideal family unit brought him much joy.  Later he found delight in his role as Afi (grandfather).  The birth of his grandsons Bradyn and Daunte were a most wonderful gift!  He never missed a game or any of the boys’ events; countless hours of hockey, volleyball and basketball with him sitting proudly in the prime front row seats cheering on his grandsons.  He could be found beaming after any goal or basket scored by either grandson!

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Freeman was an avid reader and an ardent stamp collector. He shared many books with his family and friends - as reading was knowledge!  He always said ‘he’d rather books than shoes’.  He also had a keen eye and sharp coordination both playing a game of pool, or shuffleboard and would expertly clean the table or board. He loved his wonderful years of card games with friends and times at Winnipeg Beach were always treasured.  Freeman had a wonderful love of his 4-legged furry friends, Hades and Zeus, Freyja and Raider, and Thor - his coffee drinking cat partner, along with Deb and Mike’s ‘12 paws in and 12 paws out’ were some of the greatest adored moments.  His precious staycations at McDonald, Manitoba are where he enjoyed the most wonderful sunrises and sunsets.  He lived for family get togethers and holiday festivities.  Celebrating his birthday was always a month long party.

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He had many years of heartfelt friendships with the Johnsons, Bogers, Ferraros, and Christiensen families.  Freeman especially loved his many cousins, nieces and nephews.   He held his friends very close to his heart and treasured them all very dearly.  He was a generous friend in return.

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Our family wishes to express our appreciation to Dr. Friesen for his care at HSC.  We are also grateful to Dr. Garcia and Dr. Houle and the wonderful caring compassionate staff on 3E at Riverview Health Centre for the brief time Freeman spent there.  We will miss your holding our hands our dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.

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A Celebration of his Life will be held Tuesday, May 15 at 2 pm at Central church of Christ 170 St. Mary's Rd. Winnipeg, MB

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In lieu of flowers, Freeman's wish was to place a bench on the Harte Trail in his memory; donations may be made at any TD Canada Trust, Acct # 6351363 under K. Chase, 6630 Roblin Blvd, Transit # 66347 - or email kfhc1@yahoo.ca.

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‘To live into the hearts of others is never to die.’

 

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