William Freitas

William "Bill" Francis Freitas Feb 8, 1927-Aug 27, 2011 Resident of Brentwood Bill passed away surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born on Feb 8, 1927 in Banta, CA to Joseph and Minnie Freitas. He was a hard worker. As a child he milked cows on the family dairy. As a young man he worked cutting and bailing hay for farmers in the Tracy area. He continued helping his Dad when the family moved to the Marsh Creek area. He worked at Crystal Sugar on Holland Track. He married his wife Jane in 1946. He worked for various farmers in the Byron area until moving to Knightsen and raising his family in Veale Track. They later moved to the family ranch in Marsh Creek. He continued farming in the Knightsen area until he semi-retired in 1991. He continued to raise cattle on the ranch and began travelling with his wife. They travelled to 49 states and Europe. In 1996 they went to Portugal where they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He enjoyed spending time with all of his family. Some favorite hobbies were fishing and hunting. He especially enjoyed elk and deer hunting with his brothers and friends. Special memories included abalone diving and camping trips with the kids. Bill had a big laugh and made people smile. He made an impression on everyone he met. He lived life to the fullest. During his final days he enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters Cynthia and Laura who helped take care of him. He loved his family tremendously and made us all feel safe. His passing leaves a hole in ours hearts that will never be filled. He is survived by his loving wife Jane Freitas of 65 years, daughter Diana (Ray) Combs of Antioch, brothers Joseph (Bette) of Clayton, Frank (Eve) of Lacy, WA, Richard of Anderson, CA, and Connie(Joleen) of Ft. Fairchild, ME, sisters Irene Pearson of Oakley, Edwina McMillian of Sacramento, granddaughters Cynthia (Jim) Padilla of Brentwood, Laura (Jimmy) Trammel of Clayton, Rebekah (Chris) Ross of Las Vegas, NV and Sarah (Solon) Davenport also of Las Vegas, and nine great-granddaughters and four great-grandsons, and the apple of his eye his great-great-granddaughter Aiyana Jane Chapman. He was preceded in death by his son William Freitas Jr., his parents, brother Robert and sister Dorothy Pavis. The family would like to thank Gita and all "the girls" from Lake Alhambra Care Center for their loving care of Bill during his final days. Also Sutter VNA Hospice for their kind and loving support. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday, September 1st from 5pm-8pm at Brentwood Funeral Home, 839 First Street, Brentwood. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 2nd at 11:00am at Union Cemetery, 11545 Brentwood Blvd, Brentwood. Memorial contributions may be made to Sutter VNA Hospice, 4071 Port Chicago Highway Suite 120, Concord, CA 94520. Arrangements under the direction of Brentwood Funeral Home 925-634-2171,

Published in Contra Costa Times on August 31, 2011 Brentwood, CA.