Wilfred Michael Freeman
December 23, 2012
Freeman, Wilfred Michael passed away suddenly at home on December 23, 2012. Wilf is predeceased by his 1st wife May, sister and brother-in-law, May & Elmer Ellingsen. Wilf is survived by his loving wife Nora; sons; Laurie (Kathy) of Fort McMurray, Alberta; David (Wendy) of Kamloops, B.C.: daughters; Kathy (George Saunders), Sheila (Gord Bennett) both of Campbell River; grandchildren; Leland (Kim), Michael (Emilee), Christopher (Stef), Karli (Cody), Kaitlin, Melissa, Valerie, Laura and Sherry; great grandchildren: Kailynn, Reina, Koltin and Nola; brothers-in-law; Jim (Terry) Stewart of Valemount, Harry (Mary-Lou) Spence of Penticton; nieces and nephews; Shirley (Vic Cole), Bruce Ellingsen (Ginnie), Andy Ellingsen (Sue), Sherry (John)Fulton, Brian (Lorie) Spence, Glen (Carolyn) Spence, Mary Stewart of Edmonton, Christopher (Leslie) Stewart of Kelowna, Graham (Margaritta) Stewart of Edmonton, Karen (Grant) Blum of Edmonton; cousin Etta Byers and numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews and life-long friends. Wilf was a member of the Cortes Rod and Gun Club, Cortes Volunteer Fire Department and was very involved in all aspects of the development of the community of Cortes Island. Wilf began his career as a steam engineer in the logging industry, and later worked on fish boats, with the parks board and on BC Ferries. His hobbies were hunting, making 3 legged ladders and all other forms of tools not yet invented. Wilf also enjoyed making pancakes, reading and especially spending time with his family. Wilf was a wise, gentle, kind, caring, fair, hard working man, with an incredible work ethic that he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life for Wilf will be held on Thursday, January 3rd at 1:00 pm at Elk Falls Crematorium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cortes Island Museum.