Black Watch & RCR friends:
Regret to circulate this obit for Bob Freeman.
Robert Freeman
1934-2011
The passing of Robert (Bob) Wallace Freeman of Fredericton occurred on Thursday, September 8th, 2011 at the Oromocto Public Hospital, Oromocto, NB. Born on September 22nd, 1934 in Waterdown, ON, he was the son of Winnifred (Park) and Gordon Freeman. As a teenager, Bob began his musical career as a snare drummer with the Irish Fusiliers while working in Vancouver, BC. He later became a member of the 8th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders 2nd Canadian Guards (militia), and the Regular Forces, Black Watch, where he served with both the 1st and 2nd battalions. He was posted to Germany in 1959 and returned to Fredericton, NB in 1961 where he was based at CFB Gagetown until he retired in 1981. When the Black Watch dissolved in 1970 he continued his military career with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR) as a percussionist with the RCR band. He saw two tours of duty in Cyprus and traveled across Canada and abroad throughout his career. He was also a past member of the Fredericton Society of St. Andrews Pipe band. Aside from his military career, he was an outstanding piano player, organist, and accordion player, entertaining patrons at several venues around Fredericton, including regular appearances at Freddie’s Restaurant and the Voyager Restaurant.
Bob, was predeceased by the mother of his children, Joan Mildred (Woodworth) Freeman, his son, Gordon Raymond Freeman, his parents Gordon Freeman and Winnifred (Park) Freeman, and brothers Sandy and Frank.
He is survived by his daughter, Carol Freeman of Fredericton, two grandsons, Scott Saad and Sean Farris both of Fredericton, his brothers Ron (Joan) of Hamilton, Stewart (Eleanor) of Chilliwack BC, Dennis "Jay" (Pamela) of Edmonton, and sister Kimberley of Erie Cove, as well as by many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by special friend Dian.
A committal service will take place at the Waterdown Union Cemetery, Waterdown Ontario on September 19th at 2:00 pm. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the William R. Duffie Unit, or the palliative care unit, Oromocto Hospital, Personal condolences may be offered through
www.bishopsfuneralhome.com
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With thanks to Mel Ellis for forwarding above.
R. I. P.
NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT / PRO PATRIA