Private Michael Freeman
Private Michael Freeman
Private Michael Freeman was born on 3 December 1980 in Peterborough, Ontario. Growing up, Michael was introduced to the outdoors at an early age and quickly grew to love the experiences of being around nature.
Some of his early pursuits were camping, fishing, canoeing, and mountain biking. Michael took to each activity with a passion that remained with him throughout his life.
Michael’s enthusiasm for the outdoors matured as he grew older. His interest also included computers and video gaming. He was competitive but he didn’t need to win, he was always about improving himself but not at the expense of others.
As a young teen, Michael joined the Air Cadets and contemplated becoming a pilot, yet his love of school was never as high as his love of flying. That didn’t deter him. He found new pursuits such as golf, and after a few other jobs, he realized that he wanted to dedicate himself to a military career.
In 2005 he joined the Army and after he completed Basic Training, Michael was posted to 3 RCR in June 2006. The rigours of basic training were tempered by his love of the outdoors. Characteristically, Michael pushed himself to succeed in everything he did. He took up the sport of scuba diving, and like all things in life, it became something he wanted to excel at.
To his friends he was outgoing, generous, always able to find the humour in any situation. It was during this time that Michael found love with Brandy and together they both found something they were missing in the other.
Michael did not shy away from his deployment to Afghanistan. It was his next challenge and as he found out more about it, the tour became something he believed in. The danger was there and acknowledged but it did not control him.
Once deployed, he enjoyed interacting with the children of Afghanistan, their well being and happiness became a major goal. Language was never a barrier for Michael to bring a smile to their faces.
Family Statement
If tears could build a stairway
and memories a lane
We'd walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again.
Mom and Dad: Mark and Gail Freeman