It is with great sadness that his family announces the passing of James Gale Freeman, in Victoria on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at the age of 88 years. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Kathryn and will be remembered by his five children, Hugh Freeman (Sally), Bowen Island, Leslie Freeman-Miller (Eugene Miller), Leduc, Sylvia Freeman (Bernie Van Dyke), Edmonton, Patrick Freeman (Norma), Victoria, Colleen Freeman, Stevenson Ranch, California; eleven grandchildren, Marcus and Katy (Hugh), Daniel, Erin and Michael (Leslie), Julie Anne, Jessica and Mallory (Sylvia), Lisa and James (Patrick); and Jeremy (Colleen) and three great-grandchildren, Jack (Erin), Henry (Julie Anne) and Claire (Jessica). James Gale was born in Edmonton on August 23, 1923 and lived a long and happy life. He served in the Air Force during WWII and was an active member of the 700 Wing and the Knights of Columbus for many years. When his long career with Swift Canadian in Edmonton was completed, he moved with his wife, Kathryn, first to North Vancouver and then to White Rock and enjoyed the mild coastal weather. After his wife’s passing, he moved to Victoria, where his son, Patrick resides. He will be missed.
There will be no service now, but a Funeral Mass will be held in Edmonton at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at St. Theresa (Millwoods) Roman Catholic Church. He will be interred at the Gardens of Gethsemani in Surrey, B.C. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com. or simply arrange for a Mass to be said in his name, or make a donation in his name to the charity of your choice.
59 Responses
So sorry to hear about your losses. Your dad and Daisy are in a better place now and there will be no more suffering for them. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Ivy Scheetz (nee Holowaychuk)
I know EXACTLY how you feel… and being from E-town, you are strong like the other females with “hair on your chest” lol My dad used to tell me that too… God bless our dads…
Theresa Lunt
My heart goes out to you Colleen.. What a wonderful tribute to your father. You are a wonderful daughter and I’m sure he was as proud of you as you are of him. Big hug and much love to you and your family. You were blessed. My sincere condolences.
Theresa Lunt (nee Muldoon)
i am so sorry for your loss. it is always difficult to know what to say. these are time to reflect on his life, your lives and family. memories are such a cherished gift, may i suggest writing them down. i know in my experience, i am always having a different one throughout the year, so i put them in writing now. when i miss him, i read them. god bless all of you.
liz
Dearest Colleen,
I just received the message about your father’s transition. Know that I am incredibly sorry for your loss. Losing our dad is a tough one for we girls… I have always identified with being my father’s daughter.
I do love your writings above – such a lovely tribute to your dad. I have no doubt he was incredibly proud of you and I am happy that you were able to spend his final days with him. I, too, was able to do this with my father and those final two weeks were some of the finest moments of time I spent with him. And watching my dad pass was a gift because I knew he went peacefully, to be rejoined with family he dearly loved and missed.
There are times I still will pick up the phone to call him just to hear his voice and next year will be 20 years since he has been gone. How blessed you were to have enjoyed him for so long. He sounds like such a special man. I do recall meeting him once, but it was fleeting. We were young then and not only did we think we’d live forever, but we believed our parents would too. That life would never change.
Take comfort in your memories and hold them close to your heart. No one can take the love you shared away and those memories will bring you joyfulness and comfort when you feel alone. Know you are held and in my prayers. Life is hard and these moments of loss are the hardest. I will pray he comes to you in your dreams…
May he rest in eternal peace and may you take some comfort knowing he will be there to greet you with open and loving arms, when it is your turn to cross that bridge.
Much love….
xoxox
Wendy
Dear Colleen and the entire Freeman family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of “Uncle” Gale. Our hearts are with you at this time of grief…..but we are enriched for having had Gale in our lives, and comforted by knowing that he had a long life, full of love and accomplishment, well lived….
Don Davies and family
Dear Colleen,
I send my deepest condolences to you. I am so glad that you were able to be with your Dad when he passed, so that he did not have to die alone. Your Tribute to your Father is very Beautiful, Genuine, Kind, Sincere, Loving, heart felt & moving, just like you are, my Friend. It brought tears to my eyes. Take care, Love you.
Dear Patrick and Norma,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time of sadness.
Take care,
Pam & Brian
Leslie & Family….
Sorry to read of your Dad’s passing.
Take care…Gay
Colleen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I offer you our family’s Condolences.
I’m thinking of you. Big hug.
Christine