Russell Freeman

Age 98, of Halifax, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII and is now reunited with his dear wife, Margaret. Born in Hamilton, Ont., he was a son of the late Richard and

Florence (Scrivens) Freeman.

A veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), he retired after 35 years of service. In 1935, he joined the RCN as a 16-year-old Boy Seaman and, displaying outstanding seamanship and academic prowess, he quickly rose up the ranks. He served at sea throughout the duration of the Second World War, initially on patrol and escort duty in the North Sea and throughout the Iceland-Faroes-UK gap and then escorting convoys on the treacherous North Atlantic and Murmansk Run, always on destroyers. Russ was promoted to Torpedo Officer in February 1943 at the age of 24, a remarkable achievement after just over seven years in the RCN. As a Torpedo Officer, he served in the renowned HMCS HAIDA, where he was recognised with a Mention in Dispatches on January 1, 1945. Post-War duties included an appointment as Mine Disposal Officer, West Coast. Service in the

Korean War was in the Tribal-class destroyer HMCS HURON. After the Korean War, he was granted Command of HMCS CORDOVA, a minesweeper on the West Coast which always remained one of his fondest memories of service. In Ottawa, he was the Director of the Undersea Warfare and Mine Countermeasures' section before being seconded to the Royal Navy in the early 1960's. After three years in Portsmouth he returned to Halifax to finish his career at Maritime Command in Halifax as Commander of the First Canadian Escort Squadron.

Following his military career, he served many years on the Nova Scotia Voluntary Economic Planning Board responsible for the tourism sector. He was very well-respected in the RCN and the NS Government and greatly admired and loved by his three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. As a reflection of his penchant for lifelong learning, he amassed an impressive library throughout his lifetime and never stopped acquiring new skills, whether SCUBA diving or learning to fly at the tender age of 70! He loved sailing, reading, his cats and his summer home on Zwicker Island in Mahone Bay.

He is survived by daughter, Laura Penelope Freeman, Halifax; son, Kim Freeman (Marilyn), Johannesburg, South Africa; daughter, Pamela Florence Farner (Shawn), Toronto, Ont.; grandchildren, Sean, Sabrina, Nadja, Mikhail, Julia, Charles, James and great- grandchild, Sebastien; and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Elizabeth (Elliott) Freeman and brother, Alfred "Fred" James Freeman (Ethel). Cremation will take place. Donations in memory may be made to the Royal Canadian Naval Trust, Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be directed to:

www.Jasnowfuneralhome.com

He will be greatly missed.