Roy Freeman

Roy Freeman

Roy Freeman, cherished husband of 52 years of Linda (Cook) departed this life on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the fine age of 73 after a short yet valiant debate with illness.

Roy was born in Killarney, Manitoba on June 10, 1944, a son for Ben (d. 1987) and Gladys Freeman (Turner). Roy was close with his brothers Brian and Jim, and will be sorrowfully missed by both.  Roy was part of a unique family in which both of his parents had an identical twin. Father Ben (twin to Russell Freeman) and mother, Gladys (twin to Irene) raised their boys together for a few years on the Freeman homestead near Pelican Lake, in the Killarney/Ninette area.  Roy, Brian, and Jim, along with their cousins George and Don, lived together like brothers.

Roy married Linda in 1965 and had four children Gail, Tammy, Kevin, and Susan.  Roy had a highly successful career with UGG for 32 years. He was Elevator Manager for 30 years between Plumas (1965-1968), Foxwarren (1968-1986), and Portage la Prairie (1986-1995).  His deep respect for the farmers, his honesty and integrity, his skills in managing the business and operations of the elevator, and an unmatched work ethic made him a top-tier manager in the UGG system.  Roy was a great thinker, and was as tough as the nails in his many workshop projects. He loved showing others around his workshop, admiring his tools, his handmade axe handles, and the various chairs and rockers he created.

Roy’s respect and kindness toward others, his honesty, and his tremendous sense of humour and zest for life made him many close friends at home and in his and Linda’s travels.  Roy and Linda spent 18 winters in Mazatlan, where dad loved the ocean, walks on the beach, Mexican music, and sharing drinks and laughs with so many friends and family.  In later years, they shifted their winter stays to Yuma, Arizona.  Roy and Linda’s years were also filled with other trips to many tropical destinations, Ireland, coast to coast road trips throughout Canada and the U.S, and the Yukon.

Roy is predeceased by his Dad, Benjamin Freeman, Uncle Russ & Aunt Irene Freeman, cousin and close friend Bob Freeman, Father-in-law Harold Cook, Brother-in-law Ken Swain, and Sister-in-law Gordene Cook.

Left to celebrate Roy’s life are his wife Linda, Mother Gladys, children Gail (Brent), Tammy (Scott), Kevin, and Susan (Jason), brothers Brian (Linda) and Jim (Lorraine), cousins George (Maureen) and Don (Diane), plus many more cousins and extended family.   Roy will also be tremendously missed by his 13 grandchildren Devin, Jessica-Ann, Joshua, Caitlin, Jessica-Lee, Curtis, Marissa, Aaron, Brookelyn, Taylor, Sophia, Nicholas, Violet, and great grandchildren Rhyan, Avery, and Emerson.

Roy will be remembered by Linda’s family including mum Shirley Cook, Sister-in law Joan Swain, Brother-in-law David Cook, Sister-in-law Faye Cook and further extended Cook and Phillips family.   Roy will also be dearly missed by the many close friendships he had.  Linda and family extend heartfelt thanks to friends and family who visited, called, brought food, hugs, and compassion over the last few weeks.

Roy was taken too soon but he made his exit the way he wanted; at home with Linda, his children, his mom, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorial Service is to be held at Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper Street South, Portage la Prairie, MB on Friday, November 10 at 3:00 p.m., followed by a luncheon.  Burial services on Saturday, November 11 in Killarney Cemetery, Killarney, MB at 1:00 p.m., followed by a luncheon at Killarney United Church C.E. Centre, 432 Williams Avenue.   Everyone who knew and loved Roy are invited to both services.

Roy chose his pallbearers as Cliff LaFreniere, Ron Hebner, Tom Huddlestone, Ed Ostopowich, Monte Moore, and Otto Mutcher.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Central Plains Cancer Care (centralplainscancerservices.com), or the Pelican Lake Healthy Water and Fish Committee (healthylake.ca)

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com. 204-857-4021