Gerald B. Freeman (Honourable Justice, L.L.B., QC) died peacefully at his home in Beach Meadows, NS on June 1, 2020. He was born June 30, 1931 in Liverpool. He obtained a B.A. from Acadia University in 1953. He pursued journalism first with the Halifax Herald and then with the Canadian Press in Newfoundland and Montreal as a means to finance his further education. He also worked with the forestry department of Bowater Mersey as a timber cruiser, a job for which he had very fond memories.
He obtained a bachelor of civil law from McGill in 1960, and a common law degree from Dalhousie a year later. He returned to Liverpool to join the firm of Jones & Milford which became Jones, Milford & Freeman, eventually to evolve into Freeman and Crawford and then to dissolve as both partners became judges. He was appointed QC in 1979. In 1988 he became a justice of the Supreme Court trial division and in 1990 a justice of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.
As a member of the court of appeal he was a highly respected jurist, despite his small town, country roots. He retired from the court in 2006. Justice Freeman was known for his dissenting opinions, at least three of which were endorsed by the Supreme Court of Canada. One of his dissents R.D.S. v. The Queen became the most significant case on judicial race bias in Canadian history.
Besides his legal career, Gerald was one of the founding members of Mersey Seafoods Limited, Mersey Electric Company and Able Cable. He felt truly at home on his large property in Beach Meadows and also deeply loved his special place in South Brookfield, where the Medway meets the Wildcat. Although, he was not able to use it properly in his final years due to declining health.
Gerald was the son of the late George and Helen (Wentzell) Freeman. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years Mary Elizabeth (Veinotte) of Bridgewater, and his twin sisters Margaret Hennigar of Mahone Bay, NS and Mary Wood of Norboro, PEI. He is survived by his son James (Lana) and grandsons Callum (Krista), Rowan and Garrett all of Beach Meadows, NS.
His was a life of achievement and happiness, a life well lived to the end. He was dearly loved by his immediate family and many friends. Special thanks to caretakers, Maria, Mary, Melissa and Susan. Along with the others who made his last months of home care very comfortable.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool At Gerald’s request there will be no funeral service. No flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
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Sharon Thorbourne
So sorry for your loss, Gerald was a great man & at one time my Boss at Freeman & Crawford. Cheries the memories & he back with the love of his life Mary.
sylviaverge
to the Freeman family. so sorry for your loss. He was a great man.
Donnie & Brenda Vaughn
We are truly sorry to learn of Gerald’s passing.. He was an amazing man with so much to offer the world..He & Mary were so gracious to allow my wife ( Brenda) & I to be married at their home in Beach Meadows, with Gerald officiating..It was such a magical moment in our lives !! We will never forget the kindness & warm hospitality as they both opened up their hearts & home to us..Miss them both so much..May the good Lord have a very special place in heaven for them ..God Bless !!
Heather Anthony
My sincere condolences to Gerald’s family. I met Gerald an Mary about two years ago while doing private care for Gerald. They were amazing people and I am sure I learned something new about them every day. In closing I would like to say that Gerald was a true gentleman.
Joy McDonald
It was a great pleasure to know Gerald. We had a lot of good times over the years and I am going to miss him a lot, as I do Mary as well. RIP my friend. My condolences to all the family.
Dennis & Sherri Harrington
Sending our most sincere condolences to the family…he was a lovely ,well respected man and will be missed.❤️Take care.
Bernie and Margaret Swain
I got to know Gerald a few years ago playing bridge at the Seaside Bridge Club in Liverpool where he played with his wife, Mary. He was a good player but, aside from that, time spent in his company was always extremely pleasant. I look back on my time with him with warm memories. My wife and I send condolences to Gerald’s family and friends.
Jackie Flint
My deepest sympathy to the family Gerald was a great man….
Leora Boutilier Cavanagh .
So sorry to read of Gerald’s passing . He was a wonderful soul . I had him as a lawyer and a judge . Couldn’t have asked for a better person . My heart is breaking . Sympathy to his son and grandchildren . May he rest in peace .
Jane (Colp) Hansen
A quick wit and lots of fun but also a deep thinker. Fond memories always.
John and Donna Murray
I have fond memories of Gerald. He was a mentor to me in my early years in Liverpool and his guidance was appreciated. May he Rest In Peace!
Daryl and Gladys Williams
To the Freeman Family
We offer our sincere condolences to the Freeman Family. Both he and his wife were amazing people and whenever we met, always had a very pleasant smile. Will always be missed.
judy quinn
TO his family and friends sorry for your loss R I P
Shirley Neals, and 3 of D#7 raised kids
There never was a man I respected so much as I did Gerald Freeman! His dedication to his wife, his community and the people he dealt with on a daily basis was immeasurable! God love you Judge Freeman, give Mary a hug for all of us and thank you both for everything!
Joanne Muise
Jimmy and family,our families were always intertwined,have so many wonderful memories,our thoughts are with you at this difficult time,sincere condolences to you and your family, and to all who love your dad,you are in our hearts,sending much love,Freda Muise,Danny Muise,Joanne Muise&John Bridges.
Sheree Chandler
Dear Jimmy, Lana, Callum and Krista, Rowan, and
Garrett,
Sincere sympathies in the loss of your father, father-in-law and grandfather. May fond memories ease your grief and the company of family and friends comfort you.
I’m sure Gerald is happy being back together with Mary.
Sheree Chandler and Family
Marie Wambolt
To The Freeman Family
Sincere Condolences to the Freeman family. It was an honor to have know Gerald. When ever I met your mom and dad always had time for a chat . The memories you have of you dad will get you through the difficult times. RIP Mr. Freeman
Billand Anna Cox
Freeman family
Our deepest sympathy in Gerald’s passing. He was a tribute to his small town and a man for the people. Even when he became a justice he was Gerald to those on the street and former clients. He was a good man may he rest in peace.
Diana Dalton
James, Callum, Rowan, Garrett
Your father was a very special person and he left this world a better place. He deserves all the wonderful things being said about him. May he rest in peace.
Glenda Fralic
My condolences to Jimmy & family on the passing of father & grandfather . My memories of both your Mom & Dad date back to my childhood when they came to visit Great Aunt Bessie . So happy that I got to have a very heartfelt visit with both your Mom & Dad prior to their passing . A cherished memory for me. Glenda
Bob and Lorraine Quinn
So sorry to hear that Gerald has passed away. I have known Gerald all my life having grown up together in the same area of Liverpool. He was a very hard worker and very highly respected. His wife, Mary and I worked closely together when she taught school for many years. It seems like only yesterday that we met shopping in town or attended events together. Our sincere condolences to their family.
Lorna & Stewart MacPherson
Our family was saddened to learn of Judge Freeman’s death. As children, he was an ever present adult in our lives. He was a good and kind man, so highly respected by everyone. He will be remembered for his intelligence, fairness and beautiful big smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Freeman family.
Phyllis Fudge
My Sincere Condolences to the Freeman Family & Krista .
I enjoyed my time caring for a Great & well Respected man known to many . He had a witty sennce of humour & a Great love for his boys . Just know he felt Great comfort & Love when you came to visit him faithfully . He was a true gentleman . I will miss him . Hugs to you all at this difficult time .
David whynott of mersey point
I am sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. Condolences to his family. Bless you all
Adam Whynot
I’m sorry for your lose to the Freeman family. You are all in my prayers.
Don Taylor
Justice Gerald was a real gentleman on the bench. He was scholar and Nova Scotia is better for the decisions he rendered.
Leslie Clarke
The Freeman Family
My deepest sympathy to you all at the passing of your Father and Grandfather. He was an exceptional person.
Leslie Clarke
Beach Meadows
Patricia Emenau
Justice Freeman was a wonderful man. I had the pleasure of working for him in his private practice as a lawyer and later when he became a County Court Judge and Supreme Court Justice. Mary would bring her picnic basket to his chambers from time to time and they would enjoy lunch together. They were a sweet loving couple. They always spoke of their family and especially their grandsons. I have the greatest respect for Justice Freeman and his wisdom. He was indeed an asset to the judiciary. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss.
Patti
Robert & Sally Fader
Freeman family:
Sending sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. A fine, sincere and wonderful gentleman.who will be missed.
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
Our sincere condolences to the family. He was a great man and gentleman. He will be missed. Cherish your memories. Our thoughts are with you all.
Lorraine MacGowan
Jimmy,Lana and family,
I am sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. He was a wonderful man who helped me with legal issues when I first moved to Canada. He was always kind and thoughtful in handling my family’s needs. Fitting that he passed in his own bit of paradise. My sympathy as you go through this sad time.
Judi & Ken Minard
Jimmy and family:
Our sincere condolences.
It is difficult to find the words to describe the kind and caring man your father was. The world is a lesser place without him in it.
Gwen Lohnes
So sorry for your loss he will be missed, they will be missed. I feel blessed to have known them even if it was for short time.
George (Butch) Cook
Judge Gerald was a well and favourably remembered man whom I still recall very well. It was a real privilege to have known him, and in my banking days have utilized his superior legal services.
You are in my thoughts in your loss.
John & Nancy LEEFE
Jim and Family, How enriched our lives are for having Gerald as a friend and, until he was elevated to the bench, as a mentor. Gerald possessed a brilliant mind and a wicked sense of humour. Sharing the path of life with him is a joy not to be forgotten.
Lori Carty
Sending our condolences to your family for the loss of your father and grandfather. He was my uncle on my mom’s side of the family; my mom was Mary Wood. Our sympathies. Lori and Brian Carty
Patricia (Boland) McElmon
Dear Jimmy and Family: I had the privilege of working with your dad when living in my home town of Liverpool. He was kind, caring, respectful and had a wonderful sense of humour, when the situation presented itself! He and Mary were a wonderful couple.
I enjoyed working with him and felt very fortunate to have done so.
He will be very greatly missed by all.
Darin Whiteley
My condolenses to the immediate family of Gerald and Mary Freeman. I knew them very well and always enjoyed our conversations. I will miss them dearly but they will never be forgotten.
Jeff McKinnon
Dear Jimmy, Lana, Callum and Krista, Rowan, and
Garrett,
Our condolences to all of you & please let your neighbours know if there is anything we can do.
Randi Dickie
Dear Family,
Many thoughts are of you at his time . Gerald has been a memorable person in our community in so many remarkable ways. I shall think of him at the Bridge table with Mary, meeting him at Beach Meadows or in the grocery store….and always with a friendly smile and chat .
Sending you sincere sympathy,
Randi & Ted
Ed and Evie Fisher
To the family Sorry to hear the passing of Judge G. Freeman he was a wonderful person our thoughts are with you all