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FREEMAN CYRIL SIMARD Obituary pic

FREEMAN CYRIL SIMARD

Born: Feb 27, 1953

Date of Passing: Feb 19, 2015

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FREEMAN CYRIL SIMARD (BLUE SKY MAN) 1953 - 2015 Suddenly on February 19, 2015 Freeman passed away and leaves a void in the lives of his large family. Freeman was born on February 27, 1953 in Manigotogan, MB. In his passing he leaves to mourn his son Louis; grandchildren, Precious, Damon, Denajah, Dale, who fondly called him Popz, daughter-in-law Holly Hardisty, stepson Sam (Sherry) and their children Dante and Caylam. Freeman now joins his father, Alexander (1999), brothers Larry (1991), Rudy (2013), sister Darlene (2014), nephew Glenn (2008), grandparents Louis (1981) and Margaret (1980) Simard and George (1977) and Margaret (1945) Bushie. He leaves behind many fond memories for his loving mother Mary Jane Simard; brothers Charles (Marilyn), Leon (Jean), Reg (Mary Jane), Laver and sisters Allana, Sandra, Rhonda (Brent) and Amanda (Jerry), sisters-in-law Elaine and Geri, brother-in-law Don, aunts and uncles Beatrice (Henry), Louis (Adele), Eileen, Linda, Brad and Val (Pete), plus numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Freeman grew up in Manigotogan and spent many happy hours helping out with his large family around the homestead. He attended Bad Throat School and Frontier Collegiate. He obtained his teaching certificate from the U of M later returning to the University of Winnipeg and graduated with his Aboriginal Governance Degree. Freeman had a contagious sense of humour and was an avid writer and was known as Steamin' Freeman in the Manigotogan area as he coordinated and planned many community gatherings and celebrations. He will be remembered for his poetry recitals at family reunions and Manigotogan get togethers. Always ready for a laugh, his family will remember his constant teasing and unique wit. He loved world music and the arts scene and spent countless years volunteering. He made many lifelong friends and acquaintances throughout his long and varied working career. Services will be held at the Gilbart Funeral Home, 309 Eveline Street in Selkirk, MB on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. with service starting at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Norman Meade officiating, Luncheon to follow. Cremation will take place with family interment at a later date in Manigotogan. Amen Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 25, 2015

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

  • We taught together at Berens River about forty years ago and though the time is long past, I still remember Freeman as a well liked teacher and friend to many. I had the privilege to meet Freeman again at Jack Clarkson's book signing in Winnipeg and from our brief conversation it seems he had a lot on his plate with his involvement in local activities. A man like Freeman will certainly be missed. - Posted by: Al Kelner (Friend) on: Mar 01, 2015

  • I Thank God for the time we had with Freeman. He was always there for us when we needed him. I used to live in Saskatoon. One day I felt my whole world was coming down around me. I did not do as well on my exam as I would have liked. Then the phone rang. It was my Bro Freeman just phoning to see how I was doing. I told him. Then I asked my Bro what his biggest problem is that day. His reply to me was that he was trying to match up twenty pairs of black socks. He said they are all the same kind. We laughed. I felt a lot better. The moral of the story. Life is too short to go worrying about things. We just have to live life to the fullest. That is what my Bro did in his life. Now he could go rest high upon the mountain. His work on earth is done. R.I.P. bro Freeman from Me and our Dear Mother. - Posted by: Allana Simard and Mother Mary Jane (Sister and Mother ) on: Mar 01, 2015

  • It was an honor to have met Freeman so long ago and to see him after quite awhile when he took the time to visit with Percy (Tuesday) and me when Percy was in palliative care, Freeman loved Percy's music. Freeman was a fine man, indeed, and now he can see Percy sing again! deepest condolences to his family. Linda Wolch - Posted by: Linda Wolch ( honored to be a friend of Freeman's) on: Feb 28, 2015

  • You will always be remembered for your wit and love of life and people; rest in peace. - Posted by: Nora Ross (friend) on: Feb 26, 2015

  • When we grew up "off the grid" in Manigotogan we shared many chores, such as washing diapers, snaring rabbits, picking berries, feeding chickens, pigs, cows, ducks and geese and of course weeding the gardens. But there was always time for adventures too - like swimming at Pete's Beach, building rafts and swimming in the ditch on the way home from school. We shared many years together from grade school on to University as we were very close in age. I will forever treasure his zany personality and generosity. Throughout the years we met every summer for the Folk Festival and had many unforgettable camping experiences there - as we enticed our brothers and sisters to join us at Birds Hill. The best year was when we borrowed our grandparents' "blue berry picking tent" and had room for all - we were rescued on the next Tues by sisters Darlene and Rhonda - first stop was at the Libau Hotel for 6 pack fixer upper. RIP dear Freeman. - Posted by: Leon Simard (brother) on: Feb 25, 2015

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