Clifford’s Obituary
It is with deep sadness the family of Clifford (Cliff) Thomas Freeman age 96 announce his peaceful passing at his home in Roseway, Shelburne, NS on April, 6 2020. Born on May 28, 1923 to the late Henry and the late Ethel (Parsons) Freeman who were immigrants to Canada from England. Cliff and older brother David, raised in Windsor, Ontario by loving parents, experienced firsthand the many hardships of growing up during the depression. In 1914 Cliff joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve and in 1942 he transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy to join the War effort and he rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer First Class. His Armed Forces education and experience led him to a career as a Marine Electrician. While based in Halifax he met his love Dorothy Alice Hagar from Roseway. In 1948 they married and settled in Bedford where they built a home to raise their two daughters, Nanette and Dawn. In 1968, when Dot’s father, Charles Hagar, became frail they decided they would move “home” to Roseway to care for him. Cliff’s career as Marine Electrician saw him with varied duties from that of Chief Electrician on ships to the important task of teaching at Stadacona, Canadian Forces Base, Halifax the operation of sonar equipment during World War II.
Cliff’s maritime career took him far, far from home for long periods of time. It was during the stretches when he was separated from his beloved wife Dot, his daughters and home that he put his imagination and pen to paper. In his works he shares reflections on life the world and his yearning for home. After retiring from the Navy in 1965 he worked for the Bedford Institute of Oceanography and later on Canadian Forces Auxiliary boats. His career also included shorter Stints as a school bus driver and work at the Navy Dockyard in Halifax.
In 1981 Cliff retired to Roseway. There he settled into a busy and happy life with Dot. He continued to write some poetry but also produced many creative and touching cards for his family. As well he had a talent for crafting political cartoons. He loved listening to classical music, playing his keyboard, reading and animals especially his cats. He was a member to the St Pauls United Church of Clyde – Carlton Pastoral Charge and enjoyed worshiping with his church family. When Dot passed away in 1994 Cliff a jack of all trades continued labouring contentedly about his home and community, volunteering many hours to the upkeep of Roseway Cemetery. He enjoyed the place he lived which he referred to as The Roseway Riviera. One of his favorite sayings was: If you do something stupid and someone says “How did you do that?” you should say “It wasn’t easy but I managed”. He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years Dorothy (nee) Hagar and brother David of Windsor, Ontario. Left to miss him are daughters Nanette (David) Holden, Roseway, NS and Dawn (Walter) Brown Collina, NB. Grand children Aaron Collina NB, Delilah Sackville NB, Virginia (Andy), Daniel (Kelsey), great grandsons Eli and Zachery, all of Victoria, BC, many nieces and nephews and his cat Rosie.
A special thank you to Caroline, Christine and Wendy who brought much care and comfort to him during these last months. Cremation has taken place under the care of H.M. Huskilson’s Funeral Home, a memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Roseway Cemetery or St. Paul’s United Church, Carleton Village. Condolences for the family may be placed online at www.huskilson.net
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Clifford Thomas Freeman May 28 1923 April 06 2020..
H.M.Huskilson funeral homes and crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Shelburne, Province: Nova Scotia