Michael Freeman passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2023 surrounded by family after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 47 years, Aurora (nee Moreira). Michael, the eldest of five children, was born in Sudbury to George Freeman (2017) and Jean Freeman. He is survived by his beloved mother, Jean Freeman. Proud father of son Phillip Freeman and daughter Kathryn Dunikowski (Freeman) and son-in-law Sean Dunikowski. Granddaughters Alana and Jocelyn were his pride and joy. Lovingly remembered and missed by brothers Daniel (Debbie), Brian (Marjorie) and sisters Ann (Wayne) and Maureen (Les) and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and sisters- and brothers-in-laws, and numerous relatives and friends.

Michael worked as a computer trainer travelling throughout North America and was always available to assist with computer software and hardware issues.

Michael was a resident of Warren Park community for over 45 years and was a very enthusiastic local historian. He was one of founding members of Heritage York and was President since its inception until his passing. It was his passion to ensure that the Lambton House remained a landmark and community asset for future generations.

Michael received numerous recognitions for community service, including the unique Federal Escarbot Award in 1992, a Civic Recognition Award from the City of York in 1994, was honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012, two Certificates of Recognition from members of Provincial Parliament, most recently, on June 27, 2023.

Michael had a lifelong interest in genealogy which led him to research the Freeman, Collins, and Moreira family trees and beyond. Michael was a golf enthusiast, a Raptors and Blue Jays fan, having attended the Jays opener in 1977. He was a Beatles fan and life-long Trekkie. He will be remembered for his sense of humour and welcoming personality.

Our sincere thanks go to Dr. Lingas and the Oncology and Palliative teams and all the support teams who assisted Michael and our family at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Our thanks also to Dr. Moreira whose treatments during this time aided Michael immensely. Thanks to the Wellspring online cancer chat groups coordinated by Shelley DeHay-Turner that Michael so looked forward to participating in and sharing his "pearls of wisdom". Thank you to Monsignor Bianco for his all his advice and support to Michael over the past two years and his recent hospital visits. Thanks to everyone with Heritage York and to the many relatives and friends whose support throughout this time was invaluable.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., on Friday, August 11, 2023 from 5-8pm, prayers will be at 5pm. A Funeral Service will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada; Canadian Cancer Society; the Oncology or Palliative Departments of St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation, Toronto; Wellspring Cancer Support (Oakville) (Wellspring.ca); Heritage York.

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