FREEMAN

It is with heavy hearts that  we announce the sudden passing of Alan David Freeman, 75 of Bridgewater, NS, on November 2, 2024, at South Shore Regional Hospital after a very 

brief battle with Cancer.

Born in Caledonia, Queens County on May 31, 1949, to Joseph Whitman Freeman and Norma May (Bezanson). Alan spent most of his life in Pleasant River but also lived in Broad Cove with his thenpartner, Colin Gallagher. Alan’s last few years were spent in Bridgewater.

Known to many as Dad, Grandad, Great Grandad, Brother Alan, Uncle Alan and Big Al. He had a deep love for the outdoors and a genuine passion for gardening and landscaping. He spent countless hours maintaining and enhancing his property, demonstrating exceptional skill. More often than 

not while outside he was accompanied by his radio and a trail of empty beer bottles. His love for the outdoors included going to the family camp (the “Sportsman’s Paradise”) and led to some business ventures over the years, mainly in the Christmas tree industry and the Strawberry U-pick 

that he and his wife Linda operated. 

He worked primarily in Land Surveying as an instrument technician. Friends and neighbours often asked him for help with surveying-related questions, and he was always happy to oblige. Alan was 

very active in his community of Pleasant River and during his time in Broad Cove. In his later years, Alan devoted his time volunteering at North Queens Nursing Home and Hillside Pines, where just this past April, he received a 14-year volunteer appreciation certificate. He looked forward to his weekly chats with the residents and cared very deeply for them. 

He loved spending time with his family and friends and would do anything he could for them. 

We will remember him fondly for his incredibly quick wit, his sometimes over-the-top sarcasm and his eagerness to always share a beer and “have a yarn”. We will miss his birthday cards, updates on the best bargains from the weekly flyers, reviews of books he has read and the re-telling of the same stories each time we gather. He never missed a family gathering! 

He loved receiving updates on the grandkids and what they had currently going on in their lives. He had very little time for electronic devices including the TV…he hated the TV, he much preferred listening to music. 

Alan was an avid reader and kept incredibly detailed records in his daily journal and never missed sending a birthday card to someone special as he seemed to know everyone’s birthday. Like so many, he too endured life challenges such as substance abuse and mental health issues but always kept a positive attitude no matter the struggle and never let it fully defeat him. 

For the most part, Alan lived by his own rules and in doing so sometimes found himself in a bit of trouble from time to time. He will be remembered fondly by many. He would without question prefer us all to raise a glass in his honour to celebrate his life as opposed to mourn his passing.

He leaves behind three children Jeannette (Jim) Kennedy, Patrick (Danielle Brinson) Freeman and Michael (Theresa) Freeman. His former wife, mother of his children and lifelong friend, Linda Freeman. Siblings, Bertha (Wayne) Fiddes, Barbara Williams and Robert (Sandy) Freeman. Grandkids Jonathan Dixon and Taylor (Nick) Grossett, Ronan Freeman, Derian Freeman and Mya Freeman. Great Grandkids Amelia and Elijah Grossett.

Special mention to his dear friend, Karen Zwicker who due to mobility issues for both her and Alan over the past few months were unable to connect for a visit but chatted daily right to the end. Karen’s friendship meant a great deal to Alan.

A small graveside service will be held at Pleasant River Cemetery in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pleasant  River Lakeview Cemetery, Pleasant River Community Hall or the Charity of your choice