Frederick Freamo
Frederick Freamo (18 January 1957 – 9 April 2025), known as Fred, was a welder in Thunder Bay and a lifelong resident of the Current River neighbourhood. He was a son of Pauline Freamo and Clifford Freamo, and a great-grandson of the Fort William machinist Paul Vander Kaa.
Early life
Freamo was born in Port Arthur 18 January 1957, a son of Clifford Freamo and Mary Pauline Freamo (née Crabbe), and a grandson of Matthew Crabbe and Marie Josephine Crabbe.[1] He grew up in the Current River area of Thunder Bay, where hockey was a focus of his childhood.[1]
Career
A welder by trade, Freamo began his working life at Provincial Papers and then worked on a refit at Clow Darling. After completing night school for welding, he joined Can-Car (later Bombardier), where he was employed for over 40 years before retiring.[1]
Personal life
Freamo married his wife, Joyce (née Tennant), May 12, 1979, and the couple bought their first home in the Current River neighbourhood, where they made a point of welcoming visitors.[1] Their son, Shane, was born in 1988.[1] A sports enthusiast, Freamo followed the Toronto Maple Leafs and kept up a friendly Toronto–Montreal hockey rivalry with his father; in retirement he took up golfing in summer and curling in winter, and was a keen motorcyclist, having treated himself to a newer Goldwing in 2024.[1]
Death
Freamo died on 9 April 2025, at the age of 68. He was predeceased by his parents, Pauline and Clifford Freamo, and by his sister Bonnie Freamo. He was survived by his wife Joyce; his son Shane (Brittany); his grandchildren, Wesley and Callum; and his sisters Virginia "Ginny" Merritt and Jolynn Chunick.[1] A celebration of his life was held at the R. Leino Memorial Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre on 19 April 2025, followed by interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.[1]