Robin Cleveland Freeman

He is also survived by daughter Sara Freeman and son Robin Freeman, plus grandchildren and

great-grandchildren.

He was born in Stratford, Ontario, Canada to the late Muriel (Benner) and Norman Freeman.

He was a highly intelligent man with a superb memory. Following time in the Royal Canadian Navy on submarines he chose to pursue a career in education. He graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Degree in History. He taught elementary and secondary school, achieved his principals’ papers and became a Superintendent of Education.

Although his teaching career started in Toronto, he and Sharon taught in Northern Ontario, Canada. In Attawapiskat, then Moosonee on James Bay where he was instrumental in initiating programs at a new Indigenous High School. He completed his career in Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada. Throughout this whole time, Robin influenced many individuals of all ages.

Robin and Sharon shared many interests, and Robin made certain there was always an adventure to be had. On James Bay they learned from a Cree trapper friend how to set up a tent in the bush and survive while camping in the winter, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing and hunting. Once the ice was out Robin navigated the two of them up and down the rivers in a Chestnut freighter canoe so they could camp and fish.

They built a home near Fort Frances on Rainy Lake which borders Minnesota and Ontario. They learned to sail and spent many hours exploring the lake and participating in yacht club races that even took them into Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota.

He had a passion for history and exploring which resulted in driving through Mexico, on more than one occasion to experience the people, the cultures, and the Indigenous ruins like Chitzen Itza, Palenque, and Monte Alban. He loved to try to speak Spanish with the local people which usually resulted in much laughter.

Robin and Sharon explored and camped almost everywhere, especially across Canada and the United States. Although there was one memorable experience on a camping safari in Kenya Africa where one night lionesses circled their tent purring quite loudly.

Robin and Sharon learned to scuba dive and with Robin’s encouragement they obtained their Recreational Master Diver certificates. In 2018 they spent a month exploring parts of Australia. At 82 years Robin finally realized his dream of diving the Great Barrier Reef.

Robin devoted several years to the Masonic Lodge in Fort Frances and elsewhere. He became Master of the Lodge as well as a lifetime member of Eufaula Lodge 1 in Oklahoma. He was a member of the Border Shrine Club which included members from both the United States and Canada.

Despite the trips to many corners of the earth, Robin wanted a place in Florida. In 2010 he and Sharon purchased a home in Spanish Lakes Country Club Village. It was here he was able to spend his final days.

Robin loved to laugh and tease. He had a twinkle in his eye that will be missed. Robin was a loving husband to Sharon for more than 40 years.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aycock-hillcrest.com for the Freeman family.